CAREERCOLLEGELIFESTYLE & TRAVEL

Career Guide: Part-Time to Full-Time

Transitioning from working part-time jobs to scoring your first full-time job is a pivotal point in life. It often comes with a plethora of new benefits and life decisions. There are a few things to consider when making this transition. Let’s review some concepts that come with being a full-time employee.

Work-Life Balance

Working a full-time job can make managing your home and work life more difficult, especially for someone who isn’t accustomed to working a 40-hour week. Making sure you plan out your responsibilities between work and home ahead of time can relieve unwanted stress. Utilizing separate calendars can keep your activities in order so you know what is occurring and when. Remember that your mental health should be a priority too. Try to make it a habit to take personal time off to mentally reset. Spend that time with family and friends or take a personal day for yourself. It’s important to consider the need for work-life balance when deciding whether to accept an offer from a potential employer.

Benefits

During the transition to a full-time position, you likely will have the opportunity to enroll in benefits, such as medical, dental and vision. In your new role, you may have access to more paid time off (PTO) as well. Be sure to review the benefits package and the amount you would be required to pay for each item you choose to take part in. What will the monthly cost be? Will that be automatically taken out of your paycheck? Set aside time to read through all the information and ask questions to ensure you understand your coverage options. An additional benefit that may come with a full-time job is a 401(k). A 401(k) is a retirement savings account offered by your employer that allows you to save pre-tax dollars. In some cases, employers also contribute funds to your account. Be sure to set a percentage or a specific amount that works within your budget to contribute to your 401(k). Remember to make adjustments throughout your career as you get promotions and increase your income.

Managing New Income

Working more hours likely means you will have more money going into your pocket. Most people don’t think about how they are supposed to manage their money after a salary increase. For some people, as they bring in more funds, they spend more money. Often, basic budgeting concepts go out the door when there is a new influx of cash. It’s important to maintain a budget, even as your paycheck increases. Instead of ditching your budget, grow it with your income. Try to increase your monthly savings for emergencies. Remember to factor in any new expenses, such as benefit costs and 401(k) contributions. Include any student loan payments you have, if applicable. Don’t forget to set aside some money each month for things you want. At the end of the day, give yourself grace as you transition into your new role and adjust to your new income.

Key Takeaways

• Keep a calendar to stay organized.

• Keep your mental health a priority.

• Review your benefits package thoroughly.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

• Adjust your budget to fit your new income.

Sources:

https://www.upwork.com/resources/part-time-to-full-time

https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5244-improve-work-life-balance-today.htm

https://macaulay.cuny.edu/career-blog/top-5-tips-for-transitioning-into-your-first-full-time-job-ft-advice-from-a-macaulay-alum/