If your regular 9 to 5 doesn’t fulfill the life you’ve always wanted, why not find another type of work? After all, a full-time job is only one of 7 types of work you can choose from.
Each one has its own benefits to help you pursue your dream job in a way that fits perfectly into your schedule. The perfect job should leave you feeling content and fulfilled, not miserable and missing out on life.
So, if you feel trapped in a regular full-time job, here are other options to consider and help you find the perfect job type for you.
How Many Types of Work Are There?
There are 7 main types of work available nowadays for you to choose from. Whether you prefer a stable full-time job with fixed shifts or a flexible gig that allows you to work from anywhere in the world, you’ll definitely find your perfect match.
The seven common types of jobs include:
1. Full-Time Jobs
Full-time jobs are what people usually think of whenever they hear the word job. It comes as part of the definition of a W2 employee.
That is because they’re the most common type of work and have the highest percentage of opportunities.
You’ll have a permanent, stable job and work for an employer or a company for 40 hours/week.
However, an 8-hour shift and a fixed schedule don’t match every lifestyle, especially those who are always on the go and moving around.
2. Part-Time Jobs
Part-time jobs offer the same stability as full-time jobs because you’ll still be working for an employer or a company, but for fewer hours per week.
Whether you work 4 hours a day or 2 to 3 days a week, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of a full-time job with the luxury of more free time.
However, working fewer hours per week will reflect on your salary.
So, a part-time job on its own won’t be enough to make a decent living, but it’s a great option for making a little extra cash on the side.
3. Seasonal Jobs
Seasonal jobs are a type of job that’s related to a specific season. For example, jobs related to summer camps or beaches are only available during the Summer season.
On the other hand, jobs that are related to Christmas, like a Mall Santa, or ski resorts, are linked to Winter.
Seasonal work is popular among high school and college students, especially during Summer. It’s a great way to make quick money from a temporary job.
Additionally, seasonal jobs are a fantastic opportunity to meet tons of new people and grow your network, which would come in handy if you’re looking for a permanent, stable job.
4. Temporary Jobs
Temporary jobs are certain positions where you fill in for a role over a short period.
These jobs include covering for an employee on parental leave for three months, or a university professor on a one-year sabbatical, for example.
If you’re a person who hates being tied to a strict routine and values your ability to freely plan out your year without corporate restrictions on your PTO, this type of job is perfect for you.
It may initially seem risky because you won’t have a stable income throughout the year.
Over time though, you’ll learn how to manage your job opportunities according to your lifestyle, not the other way around.
5. Contract Jobs
Contract jobs, as the name implies, are based on an employment contract that has a clear end date.
It could be for a specific project, a temporary position, or even a certain time frame.
The exact period differs from one contract to another. It could range from a few weeks to a few years, depending on the rules of each individual contract.
6. Gigs and Side Hustles
Small gigs and side hustles are mainly ways to make some extra money on the side. They’re not permanent, stable, or reliable, but they’re quick and easy solutions.
It doesn’t have to be career-related or something you’ve studied for and doesn’t conform to the typical employee meaning.
It could be literally anything you’re good at, and you want to make some money out of it.
7. Self-Employment
Self-employment comes in the form of freelancing or entrepreneurship. Whether you start your own business or provide freelance services to other businesses, you’re your own boss.
This means that you have complete freedom over your flexible working schedule. You control how much you work, your price/hour, your working hours, and who you work with.
However, as liberating as it sounds, self-employment has its difficulties. You won’t have a stable income throughout the year, nor do you get paid time off when you can’t work for a while.
What Is the Most Popular Type of Work?
The basics of working any job is providing a service in exchange for something, usually money, in return.
When people apply this theory to build wealth and create a safe, stable lifestyle, they usually revert to full-time jobs.
That’s why full-time jobs are the most popular type of work. They provide a stable, reliable income and strip you from any worries relating to affording your living expenses.
Types of Workers
Each type of job comes with its own set of pros and cons to fit all types of workers. The main four types include:
1. Thinkers
Thinkers are the type of people who introduce new, innovative ideas for new products or solutions.
They usually prefer to work independently, which is why you’ll usually find them as self-employed entrepreneurs.
2. Builders
Builders are the ones who turn brilliant ideas into reality. They find pleasure in helping people achieve their goals or create something remarkable.
A builder is usually labeled a jack of all trades, since they’re incredibly skillful and can execute multiple jobs.
3. Improvers
Improvers are skilled at growing and nurturing what they already have. Instead of jumping from one job to another, they prefer to stick to one thing and improve it until it reaches its best form.
4. Producers
Producers aren’t very different from builders. The only difference they have is that producers always find a way to benefit from their creations and implement them into their own lives.
How to Find What Type of Work Is Best for You?
Finding the best type of work that matches your values and lifestyle isn’t exactly hard, but it may take some time. All you need to do is:
- Set Your Goals: Identify what you want to get out of a job. What are your values? And how do you prioritize them in life?
- Know Your Strengths: Determine your strengths and unique skills. What are you exceptionally good at? What do you enjoy doing in life?
- Try and Fail: The only way to know for sure what type suits you best is by trying different jobs and failing in the ones that don’t fit you. The more you try and fail, the more work experience you’ll gain, and the faster you’ll find your perfect match.
Wrapping Up
Finding the type of work that matches your dream lifestyle may take some time and some failed attempts, but you’ll get there.
As long as you keep experimenting and trying new things, you’ll eventually find the type of job that allows you to live a life you will remember.
Whether you feel safe in the office work environment or live for the thrill of uncertainty and surprises, there’s a job out there that perfectly fits you.
Feel free to leave us any questions in the comments below!
