Employment
Channel: English Unpacked
Date: 23/04/2024

The term "employment" refers to the state of being employed or having a job. It is a broad term that encompasses any type of work or occupation that an individual engages in to earn a living. Employment can be either full-time or part-time, and it can be temporary or permanent.
There are various types of employment, including:
1. Full-time employment: This refers to a job where an individual works for the standard number of hours per week, which is typically around 35-40 hours. Examples of full-time employment include working as a teacher, accountant, or engineer.
Example: Sarah works as a full-time graphic designer at a marketing agency. She works 40 hours a week and receives a monthly salary.
2. Part-time employment: Part-time employment involves working fewer hours than a full-time job. Part-time employees usually work less than 35 hours per week. Examples of part-time employment include working as a server at a restaurant, a cashier at a store, or a tutor.
Example: John is a part-time student who works as a cashier at a supermarket for 20 hours a week to support himself financially.
3. Temporary employment: Temporary employment refers to a job that has a specific duration or end date. These jobs are often project-based or seasonal. Examples of temporary employment include working as a summer camp counselor, a tax preparer during tax season, or a holiday retail associate.
Example: Emily is currently employed as a temporary receptionist at a law firm while the regular receptionist is on maternity leave. Her employment will end once the regular receptionist returns.
4. Freelance employment: Freelance employment involves working on a project basis or being self-employed. Freelancers typically work for multiple clients and are not tied to a specific employer. Examples of freelance employment include freelance writing, graphic design, or web development.
Example: Mark is a freelance photographer who works on various projects for different clients. He sets his own rates and schedules and is not tied to a specific company.
5. Self-employment: Self-employment refers to working for oneself and being the owner of a business or profession. Self-employed individuals are responsible for their own income, taxes, and business operations. Examples of self-employment include owning a restaurant, being a freelance consultant, or starting a small business.
Example: Lisa started her own bakery and is self-employed. She bakes and sells her products, manages her finances, and is responsible for the overall operation of her business.
Overall, employment encompasses a wide range of work arrangements and occupations that individuals engage in to earn a living. The specific type of employment can vary depending on factors such as hours worked, duration, and the relationship between the individual and their employer.