Working part-time is quickly becoming more common in all industries, especially in telehealth.
Surprisingly, more therapists work part-time than any other doctoral or professional degree in psychology, around a ⅓ of the field.
Turns out there are a lot of benefits to the part-time schedule, and it just might be time you consider it for yourself.
Here are 8 reasons more therapists are working part-time.
Slowly Learn the Ropes
For therapists just starting their own private practice, a chance to go at your own pace and learn the ropes is invaluable.
It’s impossible to know what it’s like until you do it.
By starting part-time, therapists can get a feel for all the little nuances of the practice without an overwhelming schedule looming behind or investing a ton of capital.
Multiple Passions
Most therapists, psychologists, and counselors have more than one passion, even in their ultra-specific field.
A part-time schedule can allow someone to pursue numerous interests, piling up a full-time workload.
For example:
A therapist works a part-time schedule over a remote platform.
With their extra available time, they’re able to work with at-risk kids for about 10 hours a week and lead a bi-monthly group about intuitive eating.
Now they’re able to tap into three different passions, something they couldn’t do with a full-time workload.
Help Choosing a Niche
The more specific your practice can be, the better.
Potential clients have particular needs and are looking for someone that matches those needs.
When you start slow by working part-time, you’ll be able to see the shape of the market and alter your plans to suit it better.
You might be surprised to find a unique need in the industry that you match.
Flexible Lifestyle
One byproduct of a part-time schedule is a more flexible lifestyle which many find appealing.
A flexible lifestyle might mean finally taking that solo trip to France.
Maybe it’s never missing another little league game.
Or maybe you just want to have the option to shape your life around whatever opportunities come your way.
No matter the reason, a part-time schedule makes it possible.
Stay Connected to the Industry
Over 60% of retiring psychologists continue working part-time after their “retirement.”
There are many reasons a psychologist may want to stay connected with the industry, such as maintaining personal relationships, continued involvement in a study, or simply being curious.
Keep Mentally Fresh
Sometimes, our routine never really provides us a break, so we never get that recharged feeling; this is a common symptom of the full-time workweek.
As you can imagine, working part-time makes it much easier to stay mentally fresh.
Not only do you have more time for restorative acts, but your week is lighter, so you’re hopefully not getting as tired.
Family Responsibilities
Most have to make the hard decision between work and family.
Every year people leave their careers to take care of a family member.
But when you’re able to work a flexible, part-time schedule, you’re able to do both, being there for your family and investing in your career.
And, lastly…
They Just Don’t Want The Hours
Over half of therapists that reported working part-time stated that they simply didn’t want to work more hours.
Most realize they can feel fulfilled with their career without the grinding schedule and headaches.
Part-time work is becoming more and more common, especially amongst therapists. With reasons like these – and there are even more reasons to go part-time – you can see why it’s such a popular choice.
