It’s 9:47a.m. Monday and the house is…. Quiet.

That’s right; after a summer of swim practice and sleepovers, school has started up and you have a chunk of time that simply didn’t exist June through August. Maybe you were laid off or chose to step back from the rat race to spend time with the kids, but now that school’s back in session, consider whether you want to use some of that newfound free time to get a part-time job.

Whether to supplement family income, contribute to savings or just to have some extra spending power, many parents who stay home with their children throughout the summer turn to part-time jobs after back-to-school season. These jobs usually offer flexible schedules that can fit well for parents who want to work during school hours, or during times when a partner will be home.

The perks of part-time jobs

Staying relevant:
A part-time job can keep you ready for job market reentry at a moment’s notice. Many careers are changing rapidly as they evolve for advancing technology, and finding a not-quite-full-time gig can keep your skills up-to-date (and be a great reality check for whether or not you’re ready to jump back in full time).  Volunteering your professional skills during the day is also a great way to stay sharp and keep your resume rocking, while still being home when the kids get back from school.

Staying busy:
There’s always something to do around the house or another errand to run, but having a work schedule can remind you that you’re getting things done each day (and getting paid is a pretty nice reminder too). Going to work gives you the chance to develop new skills, meet new people and encounter new ideas – all benefits that extend past your paycheck.

Staying afloat:
The job market is unstable, the economy challenging and more families than ever need two (or more) incomes to keep the budget balanced. Whether you’re getting a seasonal job to help pay for presents or working a part-time job that is critical to your familiy’s income, you don’t have to work 40 hours per week to make a big difference for your family.

Part-time jobs have more going for them than just flexible schedules, so whether you’re filling up the daytime hours with a new part-time job, or transitioning from full time to part time, consider the benefits of heading back to work when your kids go back to school.