Part-time jobs can be valuable for people in transition: students needing to support themselves while taking classes, parents who transition from being stay-at-home to entering the workforce, people who want to cover an employment gap, or people looking for an extra side gig to make more money while they pursue other endeavors.
The top part-time jobs for 2019 feature a range of skill levels and salaries, but all of them afford the flexibility that is the most enticing aspect of part-time work.
7 part-time jobs in 2019
1. Retail worker
Retail is a field where you can pick up shifts at all times of day, most days of the week. And while it isn’t the highest paid field, retail often offers positions that are available quickly, and there’s enough variety that you can find a place you may actually like—if you’re an avid reader, you can work in a book store; if you’re fashion-savvy, you can try a boutique.
Customer service is an invaluable skill in many jobs, so this field can not only get you part-time hours, but also a chance to gain and nurture a skill set. Being in retail often involves face-to-face customer interaction that can get you thinking on your feet practicing creative problem-solving. You also will gain insight into the basics of how a business is run, from ordering stock to selling on the floor. These basics help you learn how to interact with customers and clients, which is useful in a variety of industries.
2. Freelancer
In the gig economy, temp positions and short-term contract work are common. The benefits of getting a “gig” is that you essentially are your own boss; you can on only the work assignments you want to do, and can establish a good work-life balance—especially if you’re not into the 9-5 schedule.
The key for freelancers is remaining productive, staying on deadline, developing a routine that works, and most importantly, finding a pipeline of regular work. So, there’s more freedom and flexibility to freelancing—but it also requires you to be organized and have self-discipline. Jobs vary in time and pay, so keeping careful track of hours vs. pay for particular jobs is also very important for freelancers. Various industries employ freelance consultants, web developers, marketing professionals, designers, writers or editors—many of whom can work from home with only an Internet connection.
3. Accountant
While companies often do have accountants on their normal payroll, lots of specific work comes up seasonally—tax season, to be exact. If you have the skill set, you can structure your work year around the busy first few months and take it easier once all the taxes are filed.
Becoming an accountant entails quite a bit of training—a CPA (certified public accountant) designation requires about 5 years of school and passing a test to get a license from the state. But this position is always needed—despite do-it-yourself tax-return tools, accounting is a job that continues to be a staple of the American economy.
4. Bartender
Bartenders can work at a particular bar or restaurant, or work through a bartending service that specializes in staffing special events like wedding receptions. While the hourly rate for bartenders is relatively low, tips—especially those for more expensive special events—can be substantial.
Bartending requires acquiring a license and undergoing some training. More importantly, you usually need to be available on the weekends and possess the patience to deal with potentially aggressive, intoxicated people—and know that it’s your legal and ethical duty to cut them off when they’ve had too much.
5. Tutor
If you have a skill in a certain area (whether academic, artistic, musical, or anything else), tutoring is a way to put it to good use and get paid. There will always be students who want that extra push outside of their normal lessons, and who are willing to pay an hourly rate to get it.
Tutors can advertise themselves, work through organizations, or even be hired by schools. The key to making it work is to establish practices that make it easy for you and reduce travel costs. Meeting students at a public library by appointment, for example, or even in your home if you’re comfortable, can work better than traveling to several different places every day.
6. Fitness instructor
One way to ensure you keep your New Year’s resolution to exercise more: get paid to do it. If you already incorporate fitness into your daily life, you might be good at keeping other people on track. Being a fitness instructor often requires passing a group fitness or personal training certification exam, which can require several months of study. Most fitness instructors operate out of a gym, but there are also personal trainers hired to work one-on-one with individuals.
7. Nanny or babysitter
So long as there are kids in the world, there will be a need for nannies. Working with children can personally rewarding (as you help shape young children into the people they will become), but also frustrating (as kids are, well, kids). It can also come with a lot of downtime, depending on a family’s schedule and needs, and may also include some household chores.
With online platforms like Care.com there are more ways than ever for people to become employed as nannies or babysitters. While some education in early childcare or things like CPR certification are plusses, the main quality a nanny requires is patience—and enough energy to chase kids around. Building references from previous clients is also key to getting a great reputation that will yields lots of jobs.
