Category: Work

Part-Timers Are One-Fifth Of The Korean Work Force

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Part-Timers in Korea

Since it was first recorded in 1980s, part-timers which take part a significant portion of the Korean work force has continued to increase over the years. Several research articles and journals have kept track of the trend. For this year alone, Korean part-timers or those who do not work 7-8 hours daily or less than 40 hours a week have ballooned up to more or less 5.7 million.

Current data shows that there are approximately 28.41 million employed people in Korea, and 6 million of those employees have been working 4-6 hours a day, if not less. This connotes that one-fifth of the Korean labor force are actually working part-time or less than 40 hours a week. Research also found that around 1.9 million Koreans work less than four hours a day, or roughly 17 hours per week.

The pandemic has opened new job perspectives for Korean people as they strived to make ends meet, with all the lockdown and strict government regulations. A lot of Koreans were struggling just to fend for themselves alone. This has essentially affected the country’s status quo vis-a-vis the employment situation before the pandemic hit. After the pandemic, the young and adult population have learned to adjust to  more versatile working conditions and even remote work schedules.

Part-timers have preferred owning their schedules which means more income for them as they prefer working two part-time jobs simultaneously. Some have even strategized by having day jobs and night jobs considering that a lot of jobs in Korea rely heavily on technology. Research done by different companies yields that technology can also be utilized to monitor and assign tasks to their employees.

Employment in the 21st Century Setting

Most countries have already shifted to the digital world, which means that conventional work culture and traditions such as the usual 8-hour shift per day is no longer the norm. Even dressing down is becoming a thing as companies have acknowledged that employees could be more productive if they are given the chance to dress comfortably.

As the world adjusted to that of the mainstream generation, this solicited several opinions such that the full-time work conditions are no longer applicable, or are no longer enough for Koreans to balance their work and their personal lives. While there are also remarks of apprehension regarding the increasing number of part-time workers, one article has discussed that if the Korean work force will continue to transition to part-time jobs, this would result to most employees relying on contractual jobs which may pose risks on the stability of the country’s employment rate.

Koreans, however, have adjusted well to the part-time setting. They were able to acquire more time for their private lives, some have even rediscovered their hobbies and made more time for their families. They were able to find joy and convenience in working less hours. Hence, the increasing number of part-time workers in Korea is anticipated to increase significantly in the next years to come.

Which Is A Better Choice: Part-Time Work, Or Being A Freelancer?

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Benefits of Freelance Jobs

There are several factors which should be considered if one is choosing whether to pursue a freelance job or a part-time job. It basically depends on your personal preferences, career goals, and lifestyle. Freelancers are self-employed people and offer their services directly to clients. They usually create their own schedule and they also receive different projects from different clients depending on the amount of work they can fit in their schedule.

Freelancing is also a great way to earn money when you have other commitments such as when you are studying, or have another job, or even when you own a small-time business. Freelancing is flexible work which you can actually do on your own schedule.

As a freelancer, you can enjoy the pleasure of working away from home, or even anywhere in the world. The same also offers unlimited earning potential. You can determine your own rates and even adjust them based on demand and your level of expertise over the project.

Benefits of Part-Time Jobs

On the other hand, part-time jobs also have a lot to offer. They are the most convenient, especially when you want to ensure that your working hours do not exceed the number you have set for yourself. It also has a fixed-rate where you can earn income regularly or monthly. Most part-time jobs also enjoy overtime payments considering that most part-timers work on an hourly basis for their rate.

Nowadays, part-time workers have dramatically increased. One of the main factors is the fact that you do not necessarily have to deal with many clients at once. Also, your job is clearly outlined for you as well as the daily tasks which you have to accomplish.

Part-time jobs offer more steady income and a less stressful work environment. It is greatly ideal for those who wish to work fewer hours. The fact that there is a fixed work schedule also makes it easier for part-timers to arrange their schedules and attend to other commitments.

With the advent of technology and as the world embraces new norms on work situations, many people have already opted to work as a part-time freelancer in order to have the best of both set-ups. This way, they can still balance their work and personal life while being able to sustain their basic needs.

Lots Of Part-Time Entertainment Work Is Available In Korea

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South Korea’s entertainment industry is renowned globally for its music, dramas, films, and diverse cultural offerings. Behind the scenes, there is a bustling network of part-time jobs that supports the industry’s operations. So learn about the abundance of part-time entertainment work available in Korea here.

Variety of Part-Time Entertainment Roles

Part-time entertainment jobs in Korea encompass a wide range of roles across various sectors of the industry. Some of the most common roles include:

  • Event Staffing – Many entertainment events, such as concerts, festivals, and award shows, require staff to assist with ticketing, seating, crowd control, and merchandise sales. Part-time event staffing positions offer opportunities to work behind the scenes and experience the excitement of live events.
  • Promotional Work – Companies often hire part-time staff to promote entertainment products such as albums, movies, and TV shows. Promotional work may involve distributing flyers, conducting surveys, or engaging with customers at events and pop-up promotions.
  • Background Acting – Film and television productions frequently require background actors, or extras, to populate scenes and create a realistic atmosphere. Part-time background acting roles offer a chance to be involved in the creative process of filmmaking while earning a paycheck.
  • Concert Ushering – Concert venues hire part-time ushers to assist with seating, ticket scanning, and crowd management during performances. Ushering roles provide an opportunity to work in dynamic environments and interact with fans and artists.
  • Hospitality Services – Entertainment venues such as clubs, bars, and theaters often hire part-time staff to provide hospitality services such as bartending, serving, and customer service. These roles offer flexible hours and opportunities to earn tips in addition to hourly wages.

Benefits of Part-Time Entertainment Work

Part-time entertainment jobs in Korea offer several benefits to those who are seeking flexible employment:

  • Flexible Hours – Part-time entertainment roles often come with flexible schedules, making them ideal for students, freelancers, and those with other commitments.
  • Networking Opportunities – Working in the entertainment industry provides opportunities to network with industry professionals, artists, and fellow enthusiasts, potentially leading to future career opportunities.
  • Hands-On Experience – Part-time entertainment roles offer hands-on experience in various aspects of the industry, allowing workers to develop skills and gain insights into the workings of the entertainment business.
  • Extra Income – For many people, part-time entertainment jobs serve as a source of supplemental income, allowing them to pursue their passions or save money for future goals.

In the end, there is no shortage of part-time entertainment work available in Korea, offering diverse opportunities to get involved in the industry. As the entertainment industry continues to thrive in Korea, part-time roles will remain plentiful, providing avenues for people to contribute to and engage with the vibrant cultural landscape of the country.

The High Cost Of Living Has Many People Looking For Second Jobs

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Side Hustles to Make Ends Meet

The high cost of living is putting a strain on many people’s finances. This is leading to a rise in people looking for second jobs, or “side hustles,” to make ends meet. Given the tough situation nowadays,  the the prices of goods are rising faster than wages for many people, making it hard to afford basic necessities. This is forcing people to get creative and look for additional income streams, often in the form of second jobs.

There are several reasons why people resort to side hustles:

  • Stagnant wages vs. rising costs
  • Desire for financial cushion
  • Gig Economy and Flexible Job Opportunities
  • Debt and Financial Obligations
  • Savings and Financial Goals

Second jobs can provide financial relief and opportunities for personal and professional growth, especially because in many places, wages aren’t keeping pace with inflation. This means groceries, rent, and other necessities are all becoming more expensive, while people’s paychecks aren’t growing at the same rate. Many people simply can’t afford their basic necessities with just one job. A second job helps bridge the gap and make ends meet.

Further, some individuals take on second jobs to save for specific financial goals, such as those who plan on purchasing a home, funding education, or building an emergency fund. The additional income can accelerate the achievement of these goals.

Government Initiatives

Governments around the world are implementing various initiatives to address the high cost of goods and alleviate financial pressures on their citizens. These measures span several areas, including wage policies, housing, healthcare, childcare, and social safety nets.

Even if governments are raising the minimum wage to help workers earn a living wage, the same is still not enough as the rise in expenses has outpaced the raise in minimum wage. Workers can now hardly afford basic necessities and measures which aim to ensure that they can afford them are no longer sufficient.

Addressing this issue indeed requires policy interventions, such as increasing the minimum wage, providing more robust social safety nets, and offering affordable housing and healthcare options. Additionally, promoting financial literacy can help individuals better manage their finances and reduce the need for supplementary income.

In summary, the high cost of living is driving many people to seek second jobs to cope with financial pressures. While this trend helps individuals meet their immediate financial needs, it also highlights the broader economic challenges that need to be addressed to ensure long-term financial stability and well-being for the workforce.