Transitioning from part-time to full-time employment is an important career milestone, so you need to carefully consider all the aspects before starting the process. It’s not easy to make the switch when you’ve become used to the flexibility and work-life balance the part-time work offers, for example. To decide which option works best for you, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and challenges of each employment type.
In this guide, we’ll cover the benefits of part-time vs. full-time employment and explain the strategies for transitioning effectively. Then, we’ll provide an example of how to request the switch to your current employer. Finally, you’ll learn the biggest challenges of this transition and the best ways to overcome them. Let’s begin!
Key Takeaways
- To start your part-time to full-time transition process, carefully analyze your current situation and look for opportunities within your company.
- Other transition tactics you should consider are upskilling and reskilling, adjusting your resume, leveraging your professional network, and preparing for the full-time job interview.
- The right option for you will largely depend on your career goals and priorities; part-time and full-time positions offer unique benefits that go beyond the number of hours you work in a week.
- Difficulty adapting to increased workload, poor work-life balance, and trouble building work relationships are some of the challenges you may encounter when transitioning from part-time to full-time.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time Work: What Are the Benefits of Each?
The decision to work part-time vs. full-time is huge, especially if you’re at the beginning of your job-hunting process or changing your career path. Not only are you deliberating on the hours, but you are also determining how the switch will define your day-to-day and career growth. So, without further ado, let’s go through the pros of each so you can decide which one aligns best with your goals.
The three key benefits of part-time employment are:
- Flexible working hours and free time. Part-time employees typically set their own working hours, reducing stress and improving their work-life balance. This flexibility is perfect for family-oriented people who enjoy leisure time with their loved ones.
- Opportunity to save money. Working part-time will help you cut additional costs on transport, takeout meals, or other work-related expenses. If your part-time role is fully remote, you’re in luck—you won’t have to worry about these extra costs at all.
- Pathway to full-time roles. When a full-time position isn’t available within a particular organization, taking on part-time work can be a strategic move. It allows you to build your reputation and position yourself as an ideal candidate when the desired full-time position opens up.
Now, let’s look at the benefits that full-time employment offers:
- Job security. Full-time positions come with a stable employment contract and a fixed salary, reducing uncertainty and work-related stress. Plus, employers typically invest more in full-time employees than they do for part-timers, making them harder to replace.
- Opportunity for growth. A full-time position opens the door to learning and developing your skills on the spot. Also, it’s a much better option if you want to position yourself for promotion within the organization.
- Comprehensive benefits. Working full-time, you’ll receive benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, paid time off, and other perks the employer provides.
Remember, whether you should go from part-time to full-time depends on your career aspirations and personal needs. A full-time job is the best option if you’re looking for a fixed schedule, greater stability, and room for growth. However, if you seek flexibility and time for personal commitments, then part-time employment would suit your needs better.
How to Transition from Part Time to Full Time: 7 Tips & Strategies
Going from a part-time to a full-time role can be challenging, especially if you’ve been working part-time for an extended period. But don’t worry—with the right tips and strategies, you can make a smooth transition and land the full-time job of your dreams!
Here are seven tips and strategies to keep in mind for a successful part-time to full-time transition:
#1. Look Internally First
The best way to secure a part-time to full-time promotion is to look for opportunities within your company. Most employers will be willing to provide a full-time position to existing workers, as you’ve already contributed to the company by working part-time.
So, be on the lookout for internal job postings that align with your career goals. If you want to make the switch sooner and there isn’t any job posting in the near future, take the conversation to your manager and express your interest in working full-time. Even if there isn’t any open position, maybe they’ll provide the opportunity based on your skills and contributions.
#2. Analyze Your Current Situation
Transitioning from a part-time to a full-time position requires careful consideration. It’s a big career move, so you don’t want to rush the process. Before you start sending your resume to potential employers, analyze your current situation by asking yourself the following questions:
- Will you be able to handle a heavy workload?
- Are you comfortable with working on a rigid time schedule?
- Is losing your free time and flexibility something you’re ready to handle?
- If the role requires learning new skills, will you be willing to put in the effort?
Once you have the answers and feel confident in your decision, you can start thinking about the next steps, like adjusting your resume and starting your full-time job search.
#3. Consider Upskilling and Reskilling
Every employer values individuals who are willing to invest in their professional development, and upskilling and reskilling are the perfect examples of this. Both involve learning new skills by attending workshops, obtaining certifications through online courses, or receiving on-the-job training. However, there is a key difference between them.
When upskilling, you’re expanding your existing skill set, which helps you perform better in your current role. For example, working as a system engineer, you might need to implement new technology into an already existing network structure. If you’re not familiar with the technology, you’ll need training to handle the task effectively.
Reskilling, on the other hand, means learning new skills outside of your expertise. This can help you either change a role within the company or explore a completely different career path.
#4. Adjust Your Resume
Employers spend around 7.4 seconds browsing through a resume, so you must grab their attention by presenting a well-structured and concise application. To effectively adjust your resume, keep the following best practices in mind:
- Express your readiness for a full-time position in the resume summary section
- Use relevant keywords based on the job posting
- Include measurable results from past work-experiences
- Update your skill section with relevant skills for the role
- Showcase certifications, trainings, or projects you’ve worked on
Remember, you only have one chance to make a good first impression, so make it count!
#5. Take Advantage of Your Network
When changing from a part-time to a full-time role, you’ll benefit greatly from having a large professional network. These individuals can help you find new opportunities and vouch for your skills if you ask for a referral. Alternatively, they can offer advice if they’ve already been through the transition process themselves.
The most simple and efficient way to build your network with individuals within your field is through LinkedIn. On this platform, you can also find networking events and conferences that provide amazing opportunities to meet industry experts and seek professional advice.
#6. Prepare for Interviews
As with any job interview, your preparation process should start by researching the company. Ensure you know the ins and outs of their values, culture, goals, and accomplishments.
Then, based on the job posting, think about how your skills align with the requirements for the role. This is where your part-time experience comes into play. Write down some measurable results and make a connection to how they will be of value for the full-time position you’re applying for.
Finally, practice the common questions for the role and conduct mock interviews to increase your confidence when the interview day comes.
#7. Negotiate Your Offer
Negotiations after receiving a job offer are all about finding a win-win solution. So, don’t hesitate to discuss the part-time to full-time salary. After all, financial growth is often one of the main reasons people decide to go for this switch, so it makes sense to bring it up.
But before you start negotiating your salary, ensure you’re thoroughly informed about the compensation range for your role. Look at the average salaries and use your part-time achievements to ask for competitive pay. Additionally, you can discuss other factors like the opportunity to work from home, vacation time, and other benefits that interest you.
How to Request Switching from Part to Full Time From Your Current Employer
Requesting a switch from part-time to full-time from your current employer is a big move, so you need to be thoroughly prepared. To increase your chances of success, don’t keep the focus on yourself—highlight how this transition benefits the company as well.
Start by showing your employer that you know the exact reasons for the transition to a full-time role. Maybe it’s because you want to grow in your career, or you’re at a stage in life where you can dedicate yourself to working longer hours. Whatever the case is, prove that you’ve considered all the details and you’re ready to take on greater responsibilities.
Then, talk about what you achieved during your part-time employment and all the ways you contributed to the company. You can even offer ideas on how your transition will benefit the company’s needs in the long run.
Finally, kindly ask for their availability to discuss the transition further and let them know you’re open to feedback.
Here’s what a part-time to full-time email sample would look like in practice:
Subject line: Part-time to full-time: Graphic Designer position
“Dear Mr Smith,
I saw that there’s an open full-time content writer position at our company. As you know, I’ve recently gained a certification in technical writing. I’m confident that I can apply my new skills to creating product-related articles for our knowledge base. I’ve already drafted a few copies, which you can find in the attachments below.
As a part-time employee for the last nine months, I’ve learned a lot about SEO best practices. This has helped me write high-ranking content, which increased organic traffic by 35%. I’d like to use this opportunity to thank you for all the guidance and training you provided me during this time!
Now, I feel ready to work longer hours and contribute to the next big projects and long-term objectives. I would be more than happy to discuss this transition in more detail, so please feel free to reach out.
Best,
Gordon Levine”
3 Common Challenges With Switching from Part to Full Time & How to Overcome Them
Now that you know the strategies for switching from a part-time to a full-time position, you need to also be aware that you may stumble upon some obstacles in the process.
Let’s explore the three most common challenges and how to overcome them effectively:
#1. Adjusting to Heavier Workload
Adjusting to a heavier workload is the most common challenge when transitioning from a part-time to a full-time role. An increased number of tasks and responsibilities means you must organize your work.
One effective way to do so is by getting into the habit of prioritizing your tasks at the beginning of each week. For each task, write down the level of importance or urgency, the due date, and the estimated time to complete it. This way, you’ll eliminate the pressure of tackling urgent tasks when the deadline is looming.
You should also consider breaking the work into manageable pieces and taking short breaks between each task to recharge and refresh your mind.
#2. Struggling With Work-Life Balance
Transitioning from a part-time to a full-time position isn’t going to be sunshine and rainbows if you have poor time management skills. To maintain a work-life balance, you should manage your time effectively during work hours (if your role allows you to do so). This is crucial because it allows you to easily switch off from work and enjoy your favorite activities.
Practicing self-care should remain on top of your priorities, just like when you worked part-time. It may initially seem hard to find the time to meditate, prepare a healthy meal, or go for a thirty-minute walk, but remember: you’re doing this for your own well-being, so make sure you take small steps each day—it will pay out in the long run.
#3. Difficulty Building Relationships at Work
The part-time to full-time transition can impact how you build relationships at work. You’re probably used to having limited interactions with colleagues, but it’s crucial to maintain constant collaboration. Even if you’re working remotely, you’ll still need to awaken the social butterfly within yourself.
To overcome this challenge, show interest in your colleague’s work, ask questions, and actively listen to them. At the start of your role, you can even schedule in-person or online meetings with each member of your team to get to know them better. Also, make sure to offer assistance when there’s a need for it.
Final Thoughts
Switching from a part-time to a full-time role will influence your career path, personal connections, and flexibility. Although the shift comes with a few challenges, like a heavier workload and juggling work-life balance, you can prepare ahead and make a smooth transition.
Remember, the decision to go from part-time to full-time isn’t permanent. If you feel like working long hours isn’t for you, you can always go back and look for other part-time opportunities. Do what feels right by assessing your current situation, and don’t worry too much about making mistakes or overthinking potential outcomes.
Switching From Part-Time to Full-Time FAQ
#1. How to adjust to full-time work?
To adjust to full-time work, develop a daily routine, organize and plan the week ahead, and practice self-care by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising.
#2. Is it possible to switch from part-time to full-time?
Yes, it’s possible to switch from part-time to full-time. You can either take the step in your current company by requesting the transition from your employer, or you can look for open full-time positions in your industry and apply where you see fit.
#3. How long is a part-time shift?
A part-time shift is between four and six hours. Typically, part-time employers are required to work less than 35 hours per week.
