Employment perspectives: navigating casual, part-time, and full-time roles
Around 2.1 million Filipinos searched for employment in 2022. This was over half a million higher than the previous year. Although many job opportunities exist, some people find navigating the job market challenging. Understanding the different types of employment can help you figure out which employment type is the right fit for you.
It's important to understand the differences between casual, part-time, and full-time work. Each type has merits that can affect your professional goals. So, staying well informed is important. We offer a guide to understanding casual, part-time, and full-time employment. Here's what we'll cover:
- Difference between casual, part-time, and full-time work
- Working hours
- Salary and compensation
- Benefits
- Entitlements
- Dismissal
- Flexibility
- Overtime entitlements
- Tax considerations
- What should you consider before accepting a casual or part-time position?
- Wrapping up
- FAQ
Difference between casual, part-time, and full-time work
It is crucial to understand the differences between casual, part-time, and full-time work. Each job type has distinct benefits and drawbacks. They affect factors like work hours, benefits, and job security. Here are the key differences between the three.
Casual | Part-time | Full time | |
Working Hours | Irregular and unpredictable | Less than a full-time employee | Typically 40 hours per week |
Wages | Hourly or task-based | Hourly rate | Fixed rate |
Benefits | Basic statutory benefits | Some benefits | Comprehensive benefits |
Entitlements | None | Prorated leave | Statutory entitlements, leave provisions |
Dismissal | Immediate termination | Termination with notice | |
Flexibility | High flexibility, ad-hoc scheduling | Moderate flexibility with set schedules | Structured schedule with standard working hours |
Overtime Entitlements | Entitled to overtime as per labor laws (hourly rate) and none (task-based) | Entitled to overtime as per labor laws | |
Tax Considerations | Taxed at the individual's applicable income tax rate |
Working hours
Working hours are the main difference between the three employment types. Here is a detailed overview of those differences:
Full-time work
Full-time hours often add up to 35 to 40 hours per week. This type of employment has a fixed schedule and guaranteed hours. Employees often follow standard eight-hour working days.
Part-time work
A part-time employee works fewer weekly hours than a full-time worker. Part-time jobs in the Philippines typically total less than 30 hours per week. Employers often offer flexible schedules on set hours. This may include working evenings or weekends. Employers and employees can usually adjust the terms of the offer. Here are five common examples of part-time jobs:
- Retail sales associate: These associates work in a retail store, assisting customers, stocking shelves, and processing transactions on a part-time basis.
- Waitstaff/server: These professionals serve food and beverages to customers in restaurants or cafes during peak hours or specific shifts.
- Tutor: Essential to academic success, tutors provide academic support to students in specific subjects or areas of expertise on a part-time basis.
- Administrative assistant: These professionals assist with workplace tasks such as data entry, scheduling appointments, and answering phones on a part-time schedule.
- Delivery driver: Drivers transport goods or food items to customers' locations on a part-time basis, often with flexible hours.
Casual work
Casual jobs often have irregular and unpredictable working hours. The availability of work often determines your work hours per week. Casual positions are often short-term and project-based.
This type of employment may involve on-call responsibilities or seasonal work. Employers may ask you to work at short notice. Casual work can also be subject to a fixed-term contract. Here are five common examples of casual work roles:
- Event staff: They help at events like concerts, conferences, and festivals and do tasks like ticketing, ushering, and setup.
- Freelance writer: Complete writing assignments for various clients on a flexible, occasional basis.
- Seasonal worker: As a seasonal worker, you can find part-time jobs in industries such as agriculture, tourism, or retail during specific seasons or peak periods.
- On-call substitute: These individuals step in for absent employees in various roles such as teaching, healthcare, or hospitality on an as-needed basis.
- Casual laborer: These individuals do manual labor tasks such as landscaping, moving, or construction work on a temporary or occasional basis as opportunities arise.
Salary and compensation
Salary and compensation may be subject to the amount of work you do or the hours you work. Here are the differences between the three employment types:
Full-time work
Full-time work usually offers a fixed salary. This provides a stable and consistent wage. Full-time employees often qualify for annual salary increases. A full-time job in the Philippines is secure. This is especially true in a country with very strong labor laws, and can be a source of stable financial growth over time.
Part-time work
Part-time employees often earn hourly rates or receive a proportion of the job's full-time salary. The income of part-time employees can vary based on the number of hours they work. It's less common for part-time workers to receive annual salary increases.
Casual work
Casual jobs usually offer hourly rates. In some instances, casual workers' compensation depends on their output. Irregular hours can cause the income of casual workers to fluctuate. In some cases, they may receive higher hourly rates than full-time employees. This can compensate for the lack of job security.
Benefits
There are a few basic differences in benefits between the three employment types:
Full-time work
Full-time work usually comes with comprehensive benefits. Benefits might include health insurance, retirement plans, and annual leave. Full-time employees often receive bonuses and other perks, such as paid public holidays. This enhances their compensation package.
Part-time work
Part-time employees often have limited access to the same benefits as their full-time co-workers.
Sometimes, the employer may offer part-time workers no benefits at all. Some companies may provide a scaled-down benefits package for part-time employees. For example, they may provide partial health insurance coverage compared to full-time co-workers.
Casual work
Casual employees receive few or no benefits as a standard. In some cases, casual workers may gain access to some benefits. Companies usually offer these after a specific duration of service. Any coverage is usually less than the benefits full-time employees receive.
Entitlements
Entitlements can vary across the different types of employment:
Full-time work
Full-time work generally entitles you to all the benefits your workplace offers. This includes comprehensive coverage and access to various employment-related rights. Full-time employees enjoy robust security and legal protections.
This contributes to a stable and secure work environment. For example, leave entitlements can include paid annual, unpaid compassionate, and domestic violence leave.
Part-time work
Part-time employees often receive some prorated benefits. This reflects their low number of hours compared to full-time positions.
Part-time employees generally have fewer entitlements than their full-time co-workers.
Part-time workers usually have a limited range of benefits and workplace rights. Some employers offer part-timers an annual leave allowance.
Casual work
Casual employees have limited entitlements. Benefits often depend on the hours you work in such a position. As a casual employee, you may not have the same level of security as your full-time colleagues. Casual work contracts may also be subject to variations in demand or business needs.
Dismissal
Dismissal procedures and job security differ across various types of employment:
Full-time work
Full-time contracts generally provide better security. In dismissing full-time employees, employers usually need a just cause and must give notice periods. In the Philippines, courts can impose harsh penalties for employers who violate due process in firing. They can face fines from PHP 30,000 to 50,000.
Part-time work
Part-time workers may have less security than full-timers.
Dismissal procedures for part-time employees can vary. In some cases, employers may more easily terminate contracts for part-time jobs than full-time ones.
This is due to the more stringent rules surrounding full-time contracts. This difference in security may be a factor to consider if you want to work part-time.
Casual work
Casual loading generally offers the least security among employment types. Companies often employ casual workers temporarily. As a result, dismissal is more common. Casual jobs are also likely to have no notice periods. You risk changes in demand, seasonal fluctuations, or short-term project needs. These factors can lead to a higher chance of dismissal.
Flexibility
Generally, flexibility in working hours can vary based on your employment agreement. Here are some key differences between the three types of employment in a typical setting:
Full-time work
Full-time work has limited flexibility in working hours. Permanent employees often stick to a standard schedule. Your employer may allow some flexibility for personal needs. Any flexibility usually depends on your company's policies. Flexible working hours allowances usually vary between workplaces and industries.
Part-time work
Part-time work offers more flexibility in scheduling. This gives you greater control over your work hours. This flexibility is a key feature of part-time employment. It contributes to a better work-life balance. You can usually adjust your work schedule to your personal commitments or preferences.
Casual work
You usually have flexible working arrangements as a casual employee. Companies often give you the option to choose when to work. This flexibility is a defining benefit of casual working hours. But it may also come with the drawback of needing to work at irregular times of the day. Casual positions depend on the immediate needs or demands of the employer.
Overtime entitlements
Overtime pay in the Philippines is governed by the country’s Labor Code. The code sets pay requirements for Filipino employees who work beyond their regular hours.
Overtime entitlements can vary across different types of employment:
- Full-time work: In some cases, full-timers get overtime pay. In others, the company may offer you time off instead of paying for overtime hours. Overtime pay depends on the number of extra hours you work beyond your regular schedule.
- Part-time work: Part-time employees may also receive overtime pay. Overtime payments are for hours you work beyond your agreed part-time schedule. The specifics of overtime policies may vary between employers.
- Casual work: Overtime pay may apply to casual employees, but company policies can vary. Your right to overtime pay may depend on your work arrangements and job agreement.
Tax considerations
Tax considerations differ across the three types of employment:
- Full-time work: A full-time employee usually has regular tax deductions. Deductions are in the form of income taxes. Employers withhold full-time tax deductions from your paychecks.
- Part-time work: Part-time employees generally receive similar tax treatment to full-time workers. But, the tax liability may be lower than in a full-time job due to your lower income.
- Casual work: If you're a casual employee, paying taxes may be your responsibility. Employers usually do not withhold taxes from your salary. The tax implications can change due to the irregular nature of your income. If you choose casual employment, you may need to manage your tax obligations by yourself.
What should you consider before accepting a casual or part-time position?
Accepting a casual or part-time position needs careful deliberation. This ensures that the job aligns with your goals, commitments, and needs. Here are some considerations to think about before taking a casual or part-time role:
Life goals and commitments
A part-time or casual role should align with your long-term life goals. Knowing how the role fits into your broader life plan is important. Identify personal commitments that need consideration, such as your responsibilities or educational pursuits.
Lifestyle choices
Understanding how a job might impact your lifestyle is important. Factors can include the flexibility of a role and its financial implications. Focus on understanding how the job's flexibility aligns with the lifestyle you choose. Assess whether the role can meet your expenses and goals.
Career progression
It's also important to consider your career progression. Having a clear picture of your end goal can help you decide. Check that the job offer follows the career path you want. It's also helpful to identify potential avenues for growth. Make sure to constantly evaluate where you are in your career and consider all opportunities when it comes to fast-tracking your career.
Work-life balance
Maintaining a healthy balance between your professional and personal lives is essential. Some part-time and casual jobs have a well-balanced work-life relationship. But there's no guarantee that these employment types will suit you.
Always take a close look at the contract and job offer. Make sure you understand how the nature of the role might impact your work-life balance.
Identify the demands of the job. Make sure that the role aligns with your preferences. Work out whether the job allows you to separate work from personal time. These considerations apply to both part-time and casual roles.
Skill enhancement and development
Assess whether the job offers opportunities for improvement. Part-time and casual roles that enable you to enhance and develop your skills are rare finds. Always ask the employer if they offer staff development programs when you apply for a job. Enhancing your skills can help you progress in your career and demand higher pay.
Job satisfaction and motivation
Landing a fulfilling job is the goal of job seekers. This need also applies to part-time and casual employees. Job satisfaction and the motivation to work should be the standard for employment.
This is why you should always look for employer reviews. Check that the employer satisfies and motivates their employees. Always opt for companies that support employees' passion and interests.
Networking and professional connections
Look for jobs that encourage networking and professional connections. You can use these connections as building blocks to expand and grow your career. Companies can be useful in expanding your connections for job opportunities.
It's also important to consider the quality of your connections. Look for networking opportunities that align with your goals, passions, and interests.
Organizational culture and values
Finding companies where the culture and values align with yours can be challenging. But this is important to your motivation and fulfillment. Always check reviews to get a grasp of the company's culture. It's important to assess how the employer treats full-timers. Assessing this can help you understand how the company may treat part-time and casual employees as well.
Health and well-being
Understanding a job's impact on your health and well-being is important. Make sure to assess the stress level and demand the offer entails. Look for jobs that respect rest days.
While not a common offer, consider looking for roles that provide wellness breaks. This can include sick or paid leave, mental health breaks, and rest days.
Wrapping up
Navigating these three employment types requires an understanding of each option's distinctions. Making informed decisions is crucial to aligning your personal goals with professional opportunities.
Casual employment might be flexible, but it lacks security. Part-time work offers a balance between work and life with proportional benefits. Full-time employment provides stability, fixed hours, and comprehensive benefits.
Consider aligning jobs with your life goals and commitments. Understand the financial and lifestyle impact of the job. Seek jobs that promote career progression, skill development, and work-life balance.
As you embark on your career, make intentional choices that align with your vision. Explore opportunities that meet your needs and contribute to your growth.
FAQs
- Should I choose casual or part-time work?
The choice between casual and part-time work depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Casual employment often provides flexibility. Part-time roles have a set number of hours. Consider factors such as your financial needs, work-life balance, and career goals. - What are part-time job hours in the Philippines?
Part-time hours in the Philippines can vary based on the employer and industry. Generally, part-time work involves fewer hours than a standard full-time position. The specific range can vary from a few hours a day to a set number of days per week, depending on the employer's policies. - What are the disadvantages of being a casual worker?
Two disadvantages for casual employees are the lack of job security and benefits. This is in comparison to a permanent or full-time employee. Casual employees may have irregular income. They may receive limited access to benefits like health insurance or paid leave. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in the employer's needs. - Should I choose full-time or part-time jobs?
The choice depends on your personal and professional goals. Full-time positions offer more stability and benefits and a consistent income. Part-time roles offer flexibility but may have fewer benefits. Consider your financial needs, professional and personal preferences, and long-term career objectives.
