13 December 2023
Part-time jobs are often a large part of student life, offering invaluable work experience and money to fund those nights out. To help you decide which job to choose, I have explored various options and here are three I would recommend: hospitality, tutoring, and freelance jobs. I have experienced the highs and lows of each, gaining insights into pay structures, job requirements, and overall experience.
To begin with, hospitality jobs provide a reliable source of income and are very flexible. Getting started simply involves applying to one of the many agencies which have minimal prerequisites and a brief training day. The different roles include waiting, bartender, or cloakroom attendant and pay is a typical student wage of £10 to £15 per hour.
Having worked for several agencies, here is some inside information on two I would recommend. I enjoyed working for Off to Work since they care about their employees and provide upskilling opportunities and chances for higher pay. Another agency, Host Staffing, is easy to book work with since it is incredibly large and has many events. There are others, but these have worked well from experience.
The benefits of hospitality work extend beyond financial gains. Working at prestigious venues in London adds a touch of excitement and the flexible work hours, based on availability, are perfect for student schedules. Additionally, your teamwork, communication, and leadership skills are improved and can enhance your CV.
However, the drawbacks of hospitality may include long hours and encounters with disrespectful customers or managers. Additionally, the work may sometimes feel repetitive, leading to moments of boredom and feeling undervalued.
Tutoring is another popular choice for students seeking part-time employment and typically includes online teaching, either one-on-one or in groups, focusing on subjects like A levels or GCSE. It is also simple to get started which merely involves applying to online agencies such as My Tutor or Superprof. While the initial pay is around £12 per hour, this can significantly rise after gaining experience, potentially reaching £30 or more per hour.
Tutoring is incredibly flexible since it can be done online, working from the comfort of home. The role itself is an excellent addition to a CV, demonstrating skills such as communication, explaining complex topics, and time management. For those who enjoy this, tutoring offers a fulfilling avenue to contribute to someone else's learning journey and progress. Drawbacks include the unpaid time spent preparing for lessons, which may reduce the hourly wage, and the lack of work during summer.
A final, somewhat unique opportunity I have tried, is freelance jobs, facilitated through platforms like Airtasker and Taskrabbit. These are quite diverse, involving tasks such as assembling items, cleaning, or lifting heavy objects. Getting started simply involves downloading the app, setting up a profile, and bidding on tasks. Since you can bid on jobs rather than charging per hour, your average earnings range from £20 to £30 per hour, and on some occasions can rise to £70 or more. Another advantage is the flexibility to choose work whenever it suits your schedule.
Although well-paying, most jobs involve physical labour, which may not be suitable for everyone. Furthermore, landing the first task can be challenging, and there is an inherent risk as you might not know the full extent of the job until you arrive. This work is also inconsistent, with multiple tasks on some days and nothing on others.
In conclusion, each job comes with its unique set of benefits and challenges. Whether it's the dynamic environment of hospitality, the fulfilling role of tutoring, or the flexibility of freelance jobs, students can find opportunities that align with their skills and preferences. So if you are looking for a part-time job today, simply choose one that sounds good to you and go for it, you have nothing to lose.
