Whether you are doing it to complete your MBA, or for your family, part- time jobs can create as many problems as they solve. You may be clocking in more hours than you intended. And the worst fear with the part-timers is job security, as you fear your position in the organisation.
But there are some strategies that can help you make the most optimum use out of your work schedule as a part-timer.
Clarify your work routine for respect
The most common anxiety among the part-timers is that the organisation and colleagues don’t respect their work and that they are seen as receiving more privileges than responsibilities. To avoid this scenario, it is important to clarify your work priorities and work routine to your boss and colleagues. It is safe for them to be explicit about their work, and report their contribution, whether in an appraisal or on a daily basis. Belinda Earl is an instance of such clarity as she works as style editor for Marks and Spencer, and has been able to turn the iconic brand into an evolving retail chain.
Establish practices
It is better to establish ritualistic practises to protect time for work and other activities. Whether the purpose behind part-time work is education or family or any other, it is important to follow strict routine to ensure you manage time well. Mike Dean, the head of service delivery for Accenture in UK finds that he is able to maintain a perfect balance between his personal and professional life after working for 4 days in a week, and return to satisfying work life despite surviving a heart attack.
Connecting with people
It is necessary for those working part-time to have someone in the management stand up for their case in their absence. They protect them from sceptics and maintain bridges to work. In a competitive work environment this networking is important. It is true you have to let your work speak for itself, but it is also safe to have someone speak for your work.
The idiosyncratic nature of part-time work necessitates certain efforts to accentuate its boons, and keep unnecessary uncertainty in check.
