In 2024, approx. 1/3 of all roles advertised on a popular jobs board were part-time.
Most part-time roles are in lower-paid, hourly-wage sectors. Professional, mid- to senior-level part-time roles exist, but they’re less visible, often created by negotiation rather than open posting.
Jobs most often advertised as part-time are,
- Retail & Hospitality → shop assistants, cashiers, bar staff, waiting staff
- Health & Social Care → care assistants, healthcare support workers, home helps
- Education & Childcare → teaching assistants, after-school care, early years roles, tutors
- Administration & Office Support → receptionists, clerical officers, data entry
- Customer Service → call centre agents, helpdesk support
- Cleaning & Facilities → cleaners, janitorial staff, catering support
The effects
Less income means less saved, less invested, and smaller pension pots. In Ireland, women’s pensions are already behind men’s, partly because of career breaks and part-time patterns.
This widens the confidence gap, reinforcing a cycle where women underestimate their own market value.
Reduced earning power means many women remain financially dependent on partners or family support, limiting autonomy and options later in life. In cases of separation, divorce, or widowhood, this creates stark vulnerability.
Our Back to Work Survey is anonymous, only takes a couple of minutes, and your insights will directly shape resources and opportunities for future Returners. There are no right or wrong answers — we’re simply interested in your perspective.
Your voice matters. Thank you for sharing it.
Click here 👉Back To Work Survey
#bringbackexperience
