part-time career

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "part-time career" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a job or profession that requires less than the standard full-time hours, often allowing for flexibility or additional commitments. Example: "After years of working full-time, she decided to pursue a part-time career in graphic design to balance her family life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Mrs. Wilder, however, wasn't entirely happy with her part-time career, or with her obscurity.

The New Yorker

A second part-time career with a lollipop supplements many a meagre pension.

Independent

Figuring that she might retire from her university job in 10 years, Ms. Toussaint is preparing for a second, part-time career.

The New York Times

She is physically at home for a lot more of the time than I am and, with a part-time career, she has more hours available.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Recently, however, his wife had embarked on a part-time career, which had changed the dynamic in their home, as they saw less and less of each other.

Harvard Business Review

evaluating attitudes, benefits, costs, efficiency, and productivity associated with part-time career employment, as well as its various sociological effects as a mode of employment.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Ironically, therefore, I find myself as a man arguing that to weaken the Paula Principle we need forcefully to encourage part-time careers for men.

The Guardian

A crucial factor is the low status accorded to part-time work but, possibly more controversially, it is my view that progress will be slow unless more men pursue part-time careers.

The Guardian

She also has written about part-time careers in academic medicine.

Johns Hopkins University

In spite of the increasing number of specialists seeking part-time careers, part-time practice among specialists in internal medicine seems not to be fully accepted.

BMC Health Services Research

With the increasing number of specialists opting for part-time careers it is beneficial for hospitals and other health organizations to create a system in which part-time practice is fully integrated and accepted.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing work-life balance, use "part-time career" to indicate a conscious choice for reduced working hours to accommodate other priorities.

Common error

Avoid implying that a "part-time career" is less serious or dedicated than a full-time one. Emphasize the skills and contributions made regardless of the hours worked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "part-time career" functions as a noun phrase, where 'part-time' modifies 'career'. It describes a career path characterized by reduced working hours. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "part-time career" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a professional path with reduced working hours. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and applicable across various contexts, primarily in news, academia, and scientific discussions. While offering flexibility and work-life balance, it's crucial to avoid implying any lack of commitment associated with it. Alternative phrases such as "flexible career" or "reduced-hour career" can be used to emphasize different aspects of this work arrangement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

part-time employment

Focuses on the employment aspect and reduced hours.

reduced-hour career

Highlights the reduced hours involved in the career.

fractional career

Emphasizes a fraction of a full-time workload.

flexible career

Emphasizes the flexibility aspect of the career rather than the time commitment.

side career

Highlights that the career is secondary to something else.

flexible work arrangement

Describes a broader arrangement that could include "part-time career".

supplementary career

Indicates a career that supplements another activity or income.

second job

Implies an additional job to a primary one, potentially part-time.

phased retirement

Highlights a gradual transition from full-time work to retirement, often involving part-time work.

seasonal career

Indicates a career that is only during certain seasons of the year.

FAQs

How is a "part-time career" different from a part-time job?

While both involve working fewer hours than a full-time position, a "part-time career" suggests a longer-term commitment and potential for growth, whereas a part-time job is often seen as temporary or supplementary.

What are the benefits of pursuing a "part-time career"?

A "part-time career" can offer a better work-life balance, allowing individuals to pursue other interests, care for family members, or ease into retirement. It may also provide opportunities to develop skills in multiple areas.

Is a "part-time career" suitable for everyone?

A "part-time career" may not be suitable for everyone, as it often comes with reduced pay and benefits. It's essential to carefully consider financial needs and career goals before making the switch.

What are some alternative phrases for "part-time career"?

You can use alternatives like "flexible career", "side career", or "reduced-hour career" depending on the context.