Flexibility in working life is becoming increasingly important for many Finns. Various forms of work offer opportunities to adapt work to suit your life situation, whether it’s related to studies, family life, or other personal circumstances. Part-time work and gig work are two common alternatives that offer flexibility, but there are significant differences between them. The choice of work form affects your finances, time management, and career path. By understanding the differences between these work forms, you can make a more informed decision about which one best suits your situation.
Basic Differences Between Part-Time and Gig Work
Part-time work refers to employment with working hours shorter than the full-time hours typically observed in the industry. Part-time work is usually regular, for example 20-30 hours per week, and the employee has a permanent employment contract. Part-time work includes the same benefits as full-time work, but proportional to working hours: vacation days accrue, occupational healthcare is available, and collective agreements define the terms of employment. In the healthcare sector, part-time work might mean regular evening shifts at an elderly care home, and in the IT sector, it could be a three-day work week as a software developer.
Gig work, on the other hand, is more occasional in nature and often based on fixed-term or short employment relationships. A gig worker performs individual jobs as needed, without necessarily having long-term certainty about working hours or quantities. In the construction industry, gig work might mean a project for a specific construction site, in the restaurant industry, individual shifts as extra help during busy times, and in retail, seasonal assistance during peak periods. In gig work, compensation is often hourly-based, and the amount of work can vary considerably at different times. A gig worker’s position in the work community may be more transient, but on the other hand, the work offers maximum flexibility.
Which One Better Suits Your Life Situation?
Part-time work is excellently suited for individuals who need regularity and predictability but cannot or do not want to work a full work week. For students, part-time work offers an opportunity to combine studies and work in a controlled manner: for example, an IT student can work part-time in the field alongside their studies and build a career simultaneously. For parents of young children, part-time work enables combining family life and career. Regular working hours provide financial security and make it easier to plan everyday life.
Gig work, in turn, is best suited for life situations where maximum flexibility is needed or work is done alongside another primary activity. It can be an ideal option for freelancers, entrepreneurs, artists, or even retirees who want to work occasionally. A construction professional, for example, can accept projects according to their own schedule, or a restaurant worker can work only during peak seasons. In gig work, you can often decide when and how much you work. However, this form of work requires a good tolerance for uncertainty, as work situations can vary seasonally. Employment through staffing agencies offers more continuity to gig work, as the same company can offer assignments to multiple different locations.
How to Find the Best Part-Time and Gig Work Opportunities
Finding quality part-time or gig work requires initiative and recognition of your own skills. Staffing agencies are an excellent channel for finding both work forms, as they offer flexible work opportunities in different industries. At Smart Workers, we help job seekers find work opportunities that suit them specifically in the fields of part-time and gig work. Open discussion with recruitment professionals helps find the work form that best supports your career development and life situation.
In your job application and interview, it’s worth clearly expressing what kind of employment relationship you’re looking for and why part-time or gig work specifically suits you. Versatile skills and flexibility are valued qualities, especially in gig work. In the construction, healthcare, and restaurant industries, there is a constant need for flexible professionals. Networking and recommendations are important ways to find job opportunities, especially in the world of gig work. It’s worth being actively involved in industry events and professional groups. Versatile skills and a strong work ethic are key factors that help in getting more gigs or expanding part-time working hours.
The decision between part-time and gig work is not always simple, but considering your own needs and goals helps in making the right choice. Both work forms offer their own advantages, and at their best, they support both professional development and life situation.
