Are There Part-Time Remote Jobs?

Many people today (including those already working) want flexible online jobs for both income and more freedom in how they work. For such job seekers, the idea of part-time remote jobs can be especially appealing. But an idea can differ from reality. So, are there part time remote jobs? Keep reading to find out.

Major Employment Types Explained

Before diving into whether remote work part-time opportunities actually exist, it's helpful to briefly set the 'remote' aside and understand the major types of employment arrangements based on hours worked. They are full-time and part-time employment.

Full-Time Employment

Definitions of full-time work tend to either vary according to jurisdiction or are nonexistent. For example, neither Nigeria's National Minimum Wage Act nor its Labour Act explicitly state the number of hours that constitute full-time work (though this is unofficially said to be between 40-48 hours per week).

In Kenya,  a full-time employee, legally, works for a maximum of 48 hours per week (given that full-timers work for 8 hours per day). South Africa's Basic Conditions for Employment Act sets maximum ordinary working hours at 45 hours per week.

Pros

• Likelihood of a higher paycheck.
• Often includes comprehensive non-salary benefits.
• More opportunities for career growth.
• Stronger sense of job security.

Cons

• Less schedule flexibility.
• Requires staying focused for longer periods each day.
• Can feel more demanding or stressful.

Part-Time Employment

A part-time worker is an employee whose hours of work are fewer than those of comparable full-time workers. Like in full-time work, several countries have different part-time work hours per week, while others are silent on it. Hence, for comparative statistical purposes, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) considers part-time work as working fewer than 35 hours, or 30 hours, per week.

The ILO figures are a bit different from those in some African countries. In Kenya, for example, part-time work hours are fewer than 40 working hours per week. Similarly, an older version of Nigeria's National Minimum Wage Act also defines part-time work as work of a duration of fewer than 40 hours per week. A newer version says it is “work of a duration shorter than those for comparable full-time work in a sector or occupation.”

While working part-time in South Africa is not associated with any particular number of hours, it means that you work fewer hours per week than a full-time worker whose maximum ordinary working hours are 45 hours per week.

Pros

• More flexibility to manage other activities.
• Sometimes allows you to choose your own hours.
• Can be less demanding or stressful.
• A good first step before full-time work.

Cons

• Usually offers lower pay.
• May receive fewer non-salary benefits.
• Likelihood of lesser job security.

Do Employers Offer Part-Time Remote Jobs?

Yes, as employers continue to embrace flexible work models, many employers now hire workers to carry out remote work part-time. Startups, small and medium-sized businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and global companies are some examples of organisations that frequently look for part-time staff.

An employer may hire part-time remote workers to:

• Reduce overhead costs.
• Gain access to global talent.
• Scale teams up or down for seasonal needs or projects.
• Cover specific time zones.
• Fill skill gaps without full-time commitments.

While remote full-time work offers needed flexibility, an applicant may prefer remote part-time jobs since they may imply even greater flexibility ( e.g., due to fewer hours of work, a less crowded schedule, or a lighter workload). But as noted above, a full-time remote worker is more likely to enjoy greater salary and non-salary benefits or privileges.

What Skills Are Needed for Remote Part-Time Jobs?

Succeeding in flexible online jobs such as part-time remote jobs requires a mix of soft and technical skills.

Soft Skills for Remote Part-Time Jobs

Some essential soft skills include:

• Clear communication: Emails, messages, video calls, and other communication must be mostly formal or professional.
• Team building: Helps you collaborate smoothly.
• Time management: You’ll often work without supervision.
• Adaptability: Tasks and expectations can shift quickly.
• Self-discipline: Will help you stay focused and productive in a potentially distraction-prone work-from-home environment.
• Attention to detail: The ability to avoid or spot errors is crucial.

Role-Specific Skills for Remote Part-Time Jobs

Depending on the job, you may need skills such as:

• Project management
• Writing or editing
• Search engine optimisation (SEO)
• Customer service
• Data entry
• Teaching or training experience
• Design
• Coding
• Digital marketing
• Social media management (SMM)

Upskilling, for example, through higher degrees or online courses, can boost your chances of getting hired.

Tips for Success Doing Remote Work Part-Time

Create a distraction-free workspace: Even a small, quiet and well-arranged corner can facilitate remote work part-time.

Create a routine: Strictly separate your work time from your other responsibilities.

Use productivity tools: Calendars, task managers, and communication apps are some productivity assets that can help keep you organised.

Track your hours: Especially important for contract or hourly part-time roles.

Communicate proactively: Always be available when needed and keep your employer updated on progress.

Build a professional portfolio: If possible, show samples of your past work or outline projects you've handled (even if they’re small or don’t seem like conventional work experience).

Have a professional profile: Maintain a polished online presence on platforms like LinkedIn or freelancer.com to showcase your skills and attract remote part-time jobs.

Diversify your opportunities (If necessary): Part-time workers often combine multiple flexible online jobs to earn a stable income.

Keep upgrading your skills: Even small improvements (like learning a new tool) can increase your opportunities and earning power.

Vet opportunities carefully: Stick to Remote4Africa and other reputable platforms offering verified remote part-time jobs.

Income Expectations from Part-Time Remote Jobs

What can you realistically expect to earn doing remote work part-time? The answer can vary widely, depending on various factors such as role, experience, education, skill, hours worked, geographic location, and employer.

According to a Forbes publication, the following are 10 remote part-time jobs and their average hourly pay in 2025:

1.     Licensed therapist (average hourly pay $27 per hour).

2.     Copywriter (average hourly pay $35 per hour).

3.     Career consultant (average hourly pay $22 per hour).

4.     Video editor (average hourly pay $29 per hour).

5.     Nurse practitioner (average hourly pay $56 per hour).

6.     Translator (average hourly pay $30 per hour).

7.     Graphic designer (average hourly pay $29 per hour).

8.     Administrative assistant (average hourly pay $22 per hour).

9.     Marketing specialist (average hourly pay $34 per hour).

10.   Customer service representative (average hourly pay $18 per hour).

Conclusion

Many employers offer part-time remote jobs from time to time.  With the right resource kit, it’s possible to build reliable income from doing remote work part-time. If you're seeking extra income, prioritise a flexible schedule that accommodates your other commitments and/or intend to start gradually before working full-time, visit Remote4Africa today and start applying for the several part-time remote jobs on offer.