Jobs come in two flavors: full-time and part-time.

Part-time work only takes, uh, part of your time—usually 20 hours a week or less. Full-time workers are on the job 40 hours or more each week.

Here are the main differences between part-time and full-time work:

• Full-time workers usually have more protections under the law.
• Full-time workers usually have more benefits, like medical coverage and vacation time.
• Full-time workers get more Social Security benefits when they retire.
• Full-time workers are usually more protected against being let go or fired.
• Employers usually invest more in full-time workers, which can affect how these workers are treated.

(Note: there are also contract jobs, which you might do full-time, but you're not considered a full time employee. That means you won't get the same benefits of a full-time employee.)

Part-time gigs are perfect while you're in school: they allow you to go to class, study, have a life…and still earn some cash. They're also great if you're trying to pursue your dream of writing, singing, or raising an ant circus. But if you plan to live in one place and want stability, full-time is the way to go.