# Part-time careers: a reality or just a myth?

- URL: https://hr-passionista.com/en/part-time-careers-reality-or-just-a-myth/
- Published: 2026-01-28
- Updated: 2026-01-29
- Author: Marion Eppinger (HR-Passionista)
- Categories: change, new work & transition

> Are part‑time careers realistic? Key insights on flexible work, leadership in part‑time roles and what it means for modern HR.

##### Part-time work is a type of flexible working arrangement that is becoming increasingly important. It can provide more time for raising children, caring for relatives or enjoying leisure activities, and it can also be a way to earn money alongside studying.

One thing is clear today, however: part-time work is **no** longer just **a trend**, but a **an integral part** of the new world of work due to clear **demand from society****.**

The **demand** **for** **flexibility** has **increased dramatically** since the start of the pandemic and its consequences**.** **Demands** for part-time jobs has outstripped the **current supply in the labour market.** **Employers** must now address with the **issue** to **combat** the **shortage of skilled workers.**

### **Could part-time work be the new full-time?**

**This trend** is certainly **on the rise**, and to **counteract** the talent **shortage,** we need to reconsider **how working hours are structured and developed** with **appropriate career models.**

![Zwei Lego-Figuren in weißen Anzügen stehen nebeneinander auf einer rauen Oberfläche, mit unscharfem Hintergrund in warmen Farbtönen.](https://hr-passionista.com/media/2022/03/daniel-k-cheung-nXKNn2L4fDw-unsplash-scaled-1-1024x684.webp)

##### So, **what does it** **take** to **enjoy a successful part-time career?**

### **A corporate culture that promotes career advancement and flexible working.**

It is essential to respond to the **needs** of both **employees and the company**. It is also important to strike **healthy balance for both sides**. **Meetings** should **be organised** in such a way that everyone **can participate** and no one should feel reluctant to attend because they are **not flexible enough.**

### **There needs to be creativity in terms of what a part-time job or career could look like.**

**In conversations** I often hear that certain **jobs have** **to be full-time** and that you have to **be available 24/7**, otherwise it won’t work. However, I believe that if you **are open to trying new** **things** such as having a specific **deputy arrangement** or **choosing** a **job-sharing model**, then such **a position** can easily be filled on a **part-time basis** without compromising anything. This is even more **advantageous for the company,** because **different people bring different talents and skills to the job.**

### **Flow of information**

As **a part-time employee**, you are **not always available** and may **not always be immediately aware of everything.** It is in everyone’s interest **to find** a **way of communicating** so that everyone **is informed**. For example, you could take minutes or implement a buddy system to **inform employees** who were unable to attend the meeting/discussions.

### **Diversity**

**Part-time work** is **not** just a **women’s issue**, but a **topic for everyone. Encouraging** **men to pursue part-time careers** would help to create a **healthy work-life balance** and would be a **good selling point for any company.** Teams with **a good mix of full-time and part-time employees,** as well as **gender diversity,** gain **invaluable experience**. This greatly **promotes „interaction“** and is an **important part of any successful corporate culture.** 

### **Time and courage is needed**

**Every beginning is difficult**, and it often **takes** a certain amount of **courage to make change.** *Rome wasn’t built in a day, so* it’s important **to experiment with part-time career options** and **learn from the experience. Not** everything will **work right away,** but if you don’t try, you won’t succeed.

> *If you need help implementing or coming up with ideas for part-time models, feel free to contact me – I’m happy to share my experience!*

#### What is the best way to approach this issue?

There are **a few things to consider** when **offering** a career opportunity to a **part-time employee: Being flexible** and **questioning** the **status quo** are **important** first **steps**. We often get **caught up in tunnel vision** and **fail to see** what **else** is **going on around us.**

**Covid-19** has **taught** us that the **„new normal“ is very different from „the old“ one.** In order to remain competitive as a company, **new**, **flexible approaches** must be **taken.**

![](https://hr-passionista.com/media/2025/11/DSC01841-Edit.jpg)

### My conclusion

People often believe that they have to deal with issues like these **alone.** That is **not the case.** It is important to **exchange** ideas **with other companies** and **find** the **right methodology** for your own organisation. Not all processes are suitable for every company culture. It is important **to recognise** the **unique characteristics of each company** and **build on them.** 

There are always opportunities for **flexibility,** and **supporting employees in this regard** is the **key.** One good way to fill positions in new or different ways would be to **try** **out possible working time models** such as classic part-time or job sharing**.** This **opens** up a whole **new talent market** for **the company** and **further strengthens** the **employer brand.** 

Those who recognise this will have a **clear competitive advantage**. After all **the traditional 9-to-5 is almost a thing of the past.** The **desire** **to fulfil** one’s **own** potential **and needs** is **growing**, especially now that **employees can choose their jobs** and **make demands that would have been unthinkable in the past.**

But **don’t be put off,** because as **R. Branson once said:**

 „You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing and by falling over.“