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Part Time Jobs v Holiday Jobs

You are working your way through university or college, and you need some money. The last thing you want to do is get a job that requires lots of time and will affect your studies.

You know you have to get a student job, but a new dilemma hits you. Do you work during term-time and get a part time job? Although part time jobs are popular and fairly easy to come by, there is the possibility that it will affect both your studies and your socialising. There is nothing worse than having to work on a Friday night when all your mates are ready to go out and have some fun. Find part time jobs and holiday jobs with www.e4s.co.uk.

Okay, so there are problems with part time jobs - but what are your other options? Holiday jobs could be the answer. You have a few months off over the summer. You're probably going to be back home, and have less stuff to do. With some full-time work over a few weeks you could save enough money to last you (or at least help you last!) a few extra months when you go back to your college/university. What are the other benefits of holiday jobs?
Job Benefits
Holiday Job Benefits:
  • Opportunity to get some work experience - if you are with a big company that has permanent work available, they may well ask you to come back after your studies.
  • Opportunity to build up your CV - holiday jobs allow you to show a potential employer that you have had experience, and have gained an understanding of that industry, or have gained some knowledge that may be relevant for your new position,
  • An opportunity for you to try a few different jobs to see what you are most interested in and what career most suits you.
  • Frequently a full-time holiday job will pay a weekly or monthly wage. This could easily work out better than an hourly part-time job rate, so with any job this is worth checking out!
  • Ok, you may be doing more hours, but full time holiday jobs will always pay more than part-time jobs! Most of us will agree that a bigger pay cheque is a good thing..
Part Time Job Benefits:
  • One of the greatest things about a part time job is that it doesn't have to take over your life. A couple of evening shifts here or there leaves you plenty of time to do the things you want to do.
  • Part time jobs frequently involve work where you can earn more than your basic hourly wage. Part time jobs such as bar work, waitering etc in general pay a pretty standard rate. Take into account tips and bonuses (and maybe food and drink whilst on or after your shift) and all of sudden the pay becomes pretty good! This is something you want to look into before taking any job though..
  • Part-timers have the same legal rights as full-timers nowadays. This means that no employer can discriminate against you for only working a few hours a week. Check in the job description for entitlements such as holiday pay, sick pay, bonuses and other perks.
  • Never underestimate the savings you are going to make by taking a part time job! This is one of the biggest mistakes people make. They say £50 a week is not going to be enough for the way I want to live! If you're getting £50 a week for doing 2 evening shifts in a pub/bar, this is 2 evenings that you can't go out and spend any money. So not only are you earning extra cash, you're also saving money by not being able to spend any. Economists call it "opportunity cost". Ok, whatever!
  • Working over the holidays means you have less time for holidays - part time jobs may take a few hours during your term, but at least you'll have the whole holidays to do what you want to do.
The Popular And What To Remember
Popular Part Time Jobs:
Things To Remember:

If you do end up with the dilemma of choosing a part time job or a holiday job always make sure of a few things:
  • Tax issues. If you are a student you should not be taxed at all (if you are earning under a certain amount), and going on the PAYE system will mean it does not get deducted from your pay cheques. Before you start work, find out from your employer how the tax issue is going to be resolved. At worst you may get it deducted from your wages, but then you should be able to claim it back at the end of the tax year.
  • Part-timers have the same legal rights as full-timers nowadays. This means that no employer can discriminate against you for only working a few hours a week. Check in the job description for entitlements such as holiday pay, sick pay, bonuses and other perks.
  • Always find out how much notice you have to give. For a part time job, many people do not realize you may be obligated to give a set notice period. Likewise, many holiday jobs are just treated as full-time work where you give notice a month (depending on employer) before you leave.
For a lot of people, there is no choice between part time jobs and holiday jobs - and having to do both is a harsh reality. With proper research and a bit of luck though, anyone can get a job that they will both enjoy and earn reasonable money from. Here at www.e4s.co.uk we try and make your job seeking easier, so to you all - happy job hunting!

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