Could Part-Time Work Be Your Safe Harbor?

Looking for a way to stay competitive in today's market? Take some advice from a communication and female leadership expert.

Part-time or temp work is often thought of as Mom territory or, worse, the land of the less-committed employees. Truth is unconventional work arrangements are often an ideal solution for women trying to juggle demands of career and family. But they may do even more than that - like help you weather the current economic slump.

Case in point: When a company is forced to make layoffs, it often targets full-time employees to slash its most significant costs. Part-time and contract workers, on the other hand, are less expensive, offering more bang for the company's buck. This can not only shield part-timers from layoffs, but also make them a very desirable option. In fact, while the economy may be slumping, the temporary and contract staffing industry appears to be on solid footing.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the employment services industry - which is primarily staffing - is expected to be the second largest job-growth industry in the U.S., according to the American Staffing Association.

Also, working a part-time or contract schedule frees you to dabble in other projects and diversify your income sources - a good strategy for surviving a volatile economy.

Of course, this isn't the easiest way to work, as many of you know who have tried it. It's less about one steady, clock-punching job, and more about entrepreneurship and hustle. It will draw on your savvy to fight for clients, often more than 40 hours a week. But the rewards can be tremendous. We're talking about the prospect of generating a more varied and interesting career that's increasingly under your control. Another benefit comes down to the (other) "F" word: flexibility.

I'm not necessarily trying to sell you on part-time work for the long haul. It might just be a good stopgap measure for the time being. And what's more, it could help you get your foot in the door when it finally swings open.

Best selling author Connie Glaser is one of the country's leading experts on gender communication and women's leadership issues. Her recently published book, GenderTalk Works, provides an upbeat guide to bridging the gender gap at work. A popular keynote speaker at corporate events, she can be reached at