Beyond 9 to 5
Best part-time jobs offer flexibility, free time...and good pay
More people are working part-time than ever before. Whether it's out of economic necessity or choice, 4.79 million Americans now work part-time jobs, the highest number since 1993. And doing part-time work doesn't necessarily mean a lesser status in the workplace or carry a "mommy track" mentality. Part-time employment is embraced by parents and retirees, of course, but also students, caregivers, and those who just prefer the flexibility of a free-flowing schedule.
Dental hygienist Marchele Layton works three days a week in a Waltham dental office, leaving her time to spend with her two children. She's chosen a part-time schedule because of household obligations, but she says many of her co-workers enjoy juggling part-time work in different offices. "They like the mix of different personalities and the change of environment."
If you're in the market for a part-time position, you need to know that the best jobs are won with higher education. If you only have a high school diploma, earning an associate's degree or certificate can open the door to increased wages, sometimes even more than those with a bachelor's degree would earn. More than half of dental hygienists, like Layton, only work part-time, but can make as much as $41.50 an hour.
And although some part-time jobs, such as computer specialist or web designer, can be self-taught and don't necessarily require a degree or certificate, getting those credentials not only boosts salary, but also gives you a solid base from which to work.
"Education sets the foundation. It's like an apprenticeship during which you learn your craft," says Joe Comeau, an associate director at the Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University, which offers web and graphic design certificate programs that can be completed in as few as eight months. "You can learn the technical skills you need in a short period of time and then get out and actually work, because that's where the real education starts."
If you're interested in a part-time approach to work, here are some careers you might consider:
Registered nurse. Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 23 percent from 2006 to 2016, and this profession has traditionally been known for its flexible scheduling options, including 8-, 10-, and 12-hour shifts, part-time, and weekend-only work. Nursing candidates, such as those at the collaborative Lawrence Memorial Hospital/Regis College program, can begin by pursuing an associate's degree, then, after receiving licensure, continue their education or seek employment.
Web/graphic designer. Web design projects are often contracted out on a project basis, which makes web or graphic design an ideal part-time gig. Milo Caruso, a Cape Cod-based web designer, juggles a full-time job with his part-time freelance company. Most professionals in this field have at least an associate's degree or certificate in design or graphics.
Pharmacist. Highly skilled health care workers, such as pharmacists, are finding that training pays off not only with salary-pharmacists earn an average of $92,291 per year-but also with flexible schedules and free time. In order to obtain a license, pharmacists must earn a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from a college, such as Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), and pass several examinations. MCPHS offers a part-time distance learning program for practicing pharmacists to earn their PharmD degree while continuing to practice. Demand for pharmacists is expected to grow as baby boomers age.
Medical imaging. Yi Duan Low of Watertown is currently working as a nanny, but this fall she plans to enroll in a medical imaging program, such as the one at MGH's Institute for Health Professions (MGHIHP) in Boston. Part of the appeal of this occupation is the part-time nature of the work, says Low. At MGHIHP, a post-baccalaureate certificate in medical imaging is an accelerated 17-month program designed for career changers.
Paramedic. Paramedicine offers exciting and rewarding careers, including EMS-related instructional positions, says Jo Ann Mackey, dean of health sciences at Wellesley's MassBay Community College, which offers a paramedicine certificate that can be completed in one year. As it becomes increasingly difficult for emergency medical services to recruit and maintain a volunteer staff, the need for paid EMTs and paramedics will grow.
Dental hygienist. At Bristol Community College (BCC), graduates of the dental hygiene program earn an associate's degree, which is typical of these programs, although you can also earn a bachelor's or master's. Clinical technique is learned in an on-campus dental hygiene clinic, where students put theory into practice. BCC has campuses in Fall River, New Bedford, Attleboro, and Taunton. Dental hygiene ranks among the fastest growing professions.
