Permanent and part-time jobs each have their own pros and cons, and the right choice varies from person to person. Photo by Freepik
The job market in Singapore today is fast-paced and ever-evolving, and with that, professionals are blessed with a wide range of employment options. Two of the most common types are permanent and part-time roles, with each offering its own set of benefits and challenges, depending on an individual’s priorities, lifestyle, and career goals.
Whether you’re a fresh graduate exploring your options, a mid-career professional looking to pivot, or someone re-entering the workforce, knowing the distinctions between permanent and part-time jobs is essential to making informed career decisions.
What is a permanent job?
A permanent job (also known as a full-time job) refers to employment with a long-term commitment from both the employer and employee. It usually includes a fixed monthly salary, contractual working hours, and access to employee benefits such as annual leave, medical coverage, CPF contributions, and bonuses.
As they are expected to serve the company for the foreseeable future, permanent roles tend to offer greater job security and structured career progression, such as through internal training programmes and development opportunities.
Statistically, permanent roles remain the dominant form of employment in Singapore, with full-time employees making up 90.1% of the resident workforce in 2024. These roles are especially common in industries like finance, tech, and healthcare—sectors where long-term continuity and talent retention are key to business growth.
What is a part-time job?
A part-time job, on the other hand, involves working fewer hours per week compared to full-time roles. These roles may be project-based, seasonal, or involve flexible schedules, and are popular among students, caregivers, or individuals who prefer a better work-life balance.
In recent years, part-time opportunities in Singapore have seen a noticeable shift in following modern trends. While traditional roles in retail and hospitality remain popular, many professionals are now exploring high-paying part-time careers in areas such as private tutoring, UX/UI design, content creation, and IT support.
With flexible arrangements and demand-driven rates, some of the best-paying part-time jobs today include freelance developers, digital marketers, and business consultants, especially for those with niche expertise or industry experience. These roles offer greater flexibility without necessarily compromising on earning potential.
Key differences at a glance
|
Criteria |
Permanent Jobs |
Part-Time Jobs |
|
Working hours |
Full-time (typically 40–44 hours/week) |
Flexible or reduced hours |
|
Job security |
Higher job stability |
Usually contract-based or short-term |
|
Benefits |
CPF, annual leave, medical coverage |
Varies by employer; often limited |
|
Career development |
Structured paths, promotions |
May be limited, depending on the role |
|
Flexibility |
Less flexible with working hours |
Greater flexibility in scheduling |
|
Income |
Fixed monthly salary |
Hourly/daily rates |
So, which one is better?
There’s no universal answer to this—the “better” option depends entirely on your goals, preferences, lifestyle, and current circumstances.
On one hand, permanent roles are well-suited for those looking for long-term stability, structured career growth, and employment benefits. On the other hand, part-time roles may appeal to individuals who prioritise flexibility, are pursuing multiple commitments, or prefer project-based work.
Still, it’s worth noting that both permanent and part-time careers can be high-paying, especially for those with in-demand skills. For example, a senior software developer might hold a permanent role in a tech firm, but a freelance UX consultant could command equally competitive rates on a part-time basis. Having the right skills and experience is what matters.
As workforce needs continue to evolve, many companies in Singapore are adopting hybrid models—offering a mix of full-time and contract-based roles to accommodate diverse talent and operational needs.
Navigating your job search in Singapore
Whether you’re eyeing a career change or seeking more flexibility, working with a trusted recruitment agency in Singapore can help you streamline the process. These agencies understand the local job market, identify relevant opportunities, and match candidates to roles that align with their goals—be it permanent or part-time.
Here at Elitez, we are one such example, with human capital management being one of our areas of expertise. We leverage our status as a trusted staffing agency in Singapore to connect talent with the right opportunities by providing access to hidden job markets, career advice, and industry insights that might not be visible through conventional job boards.
It’s about time you find a role that aligns with your goals, and we’re here to help you with that. Reach out to us today!
