Some want to earn some extra money during their training or studies. The others have a young child and currently have no time for a full-time job. Still, others want to set up their own business and need some “start-up help” through a small amount of additional income. There are many reasons to start a mini job. But many experts advise not to dwell on a mini-job forever and warn of the danger that a mini-job is like a trap that you can no longer get out of. Why is that? And what can you do so that the mini job does not become a dead-end, but a career springboard? We give few tips!
Part-time job: why is it so popular?
Nowadays, more and more people have a part-time jobs. According to the Federal Employment Agency, the trend has been increasing for 15 years. One reason for this is that with the small additional income, the net wage corresponds to the gross wage. Neither taxes nor social security contributions are deducted. This is beneficial not only for those studying or having a young child at home, but also for those who are already working full-time. Because you know it: After deducting taxes, social security contributions and other costs such as rent, there is not much left of the salary. Saving or making major investments is not so easy. That changes with a part-time job. This allows you to put some money aside – for a longer vacation or a new car.
Permanent mini job: What is the danger
It sounds lucrative: Work little and get the full salary, i.e. without taxes. A mini-job can also be a trap if you do it alone. That means, not alongside your studies, training or a full-time job, but as your main occupation.
Experts even warn against staying in a mini-job for several years. Why? There is a risk that the jump out of the mini job will not succeed. This is because mini-jobbers often have simple tasks that do not involve as much responsibility and that do not require high qualifications or knowledge.
So there are only a few opportunities to develop yourself further and learn new things. However, employers who are looking for full or part-time employees expect their new employees to have high qualifications and extensive knowledge. The problem is obvious: HR managers tend to opt for an applicant who has previously worked in a similar position to the advertised position than for a mini-jobber who has yet to be trained.
Permanent temporary job: what does that mean for retirement?
Since a job change is difficult due to a lack of qualifications, it can happen that you only work in one or more mini-jobs until you retire. Why this is problematic becomes clear when retiring: Since little or no contributions have been paid into the pension fund over several years, the pensioner then only receives a small pension. Often this is even so low that retirees are dependent on additional income to cover all their costs. This means that they must continue to work in a mini-job even during their retirement.
Three tips: How the mini job can advance your career!
There is therefore a risk that mini-jobbers will be permanently in marginal employment and that the jump to full or part-time positions will not be successful. But it doesn’t have to be! A mini-job can not only be a nice extra income but also act as a career springboard. The following three tips are sure to help you advance your career through your mini job.
1) Choose a part-time job that is suitable for your training/studies.
If you are looking for a new mini-job, pay close attention to which part-time job you choose. We recommend one that suits your apprenticeship, your studies or your main occupation. Because in this way you will gain further practical experience in the relevant area and train your skills. You can also benefit from this later if you want to switch to a part or full-time job. Because HR professionals recognize that you already have important qualifications for the job. Here are a few examples of which part-time jobs are suitable for certain professions or courses.
Are you an educator? Then ideally you should look for a part-time job as a babysitter.
Are you studying to be a teacher? Then a mini-job as a tutor is right for you.
Do you work as a zookeeper? Then try your hand at being a dog walker.
Do you work and want to work in sales one day? Then are you looking for a mini-job as a salesperson?
Do you want to gain a foothold in the tourism industry? Then secure your mini job in a travel agency now.
2) Go to a Full-time job in small steps.
First, start small! This is well-known advice that is often given so that one does not set too high goals and then does not meet them afterward. This advice also applies to the mini job: If you are currently working in a mini job and are planning to change jobs, then you should first apply for a mini job in another company.
This is especially clever if you are interested in a position in a popular and large company with career prospects. The competition is fierce here. It is therefore difficult to get a job. Start with a mini job and then put your skills to the test. As you grow into an important force in the company, the company will certainly offer you an opportunity for advancement – for example in the form of a part-time or full-time position. This tactic is especially interesting for students. You start with a mini job or an internship. In no time at all, this can be turned into a working student position and later even a job entry. The mini-job is the first step in a career instead of the end of the line.
3) Look for mini-jobs with a Wide Range of Tasks.
In the job advertisements, always pay close attention to what your tasks will be in the mini-job. Because there are jobs in which you only take on a few tasks with little responsibility. That does not have to be that way! Small companies in particular often have the opportunity to take on more important tasks in a mini-job. For instance, when reviewing job advertisements examples, you’ll notice that some roles offer a wide range of responsibilities, allowing you to develop valuable skills that can be useful for future employment opportunities. A mini-job in the accounting department of a company can be different: While you may only sort invoices in a large corporation, you may be able to do all the accounting yourself in a small craft business. This will help you acquire knowledge that can be useful for other jobs. Of course, your motivation also plays a role here. Because you earn the same money for different tasks. Even if the money is a little easier to earn if you just sort bills, in the end it brings you more if you get to know different tasks.
Conclusion: Dead-end or a Career Springboard?
It cannot be generalized whether a mini-job can be viewed more as a dead-end or a career springboard. It is important to keep in mind that a mini-job, if you do it permanently and it is the only source of income, has a negative effect on your future retirement. But that doesn’t mean that a mini job is generally bad and that your career will be stopped by it. He can also ensure that the career is promoted.
However, it depends on your own attitude and motivation! Find a part-time job that suits you and your future career goals. And work committed and motivated in your mini-job. You will soon be offered a promotion. Your career will almost take off by itself!
