For most, working is a part of life. Employment provides financial means, enhances an individual’s sense of independence and belonging, and allows them to contribute to their community and society. Those are all fine reasons to work, and in Australia’s case, quite convincing, as evidenced by a near-record unemployment rate.
But there’s much more to a job than a position title or the money you earn. Employment comes with additional benefits and bonuses you can utilise when you’re not working and can give you more power over other aspects of your life. Beginning with…
More Money
Now I know you’ve just read that there’s more to a job than money, but there’s also more money in a job, than without one. The national minimum wage in Australia is $812.60 per week, or, if you’re a casual worker, $26.73 per hour. See how that compares to JobSeeker and other forms of welfare payments.
- Jobseekers can earn up to $334.2 per week
- Youth Allowance will pay up to $265.20 per week
- Parenting Payments top out at $457.7 per week
Depending on your situation, you could be earning twice as much money by having a job than without. More income means more purchasing power and greater independence…. the list goes on. With a bigger pay check you’ll gain the freedom to pursue hobbies, passions and participate in more social activities.
Work Perks
Your weekly salary isn’t the only power that comes with a job. Superannuation is another major benefit to employment. Superannuation, or ‘super’ is money put aside by your employer over your working life to support you when you retire. The more you work, the more super you will have for your golden years. Super applies to all members of the workforce, whether you work casual, part-time, or full-time hours, and even temporary residents are eligible.
For jobseekers with children, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is fortnightly financial assistance that covers the cost of childcare while you work. The more you work, the more hours of subsidised care you are eligible for each fortnight. If you’re a parent of a young child who wants to enter the workforce, but doesn’t know where to start, ParentsNext could be for you!
ParentsNext is a support service that helps parents with children under 6 to plan and prepare for future study or employment. You can find out more about that service here.
Housing Help
The housing crisis is real, and for many Australians, renting or buying a home right now seems impossible. This is another area of your life where having a job can give you an edge.
Real estate agents and property owners favour applicants and buyers who can prove they have a steady income. They want to see that you’re able to pay rent or a mortgage, and a job is the first thing they look for when deciding to approve your application.
For the exact same reason, it’s easier to get loans too! Home loans, car loans, personal loans; you’re far more likely to get a lender’s backing if you’ve got the guaranteed income that a job provides.
Social Circle
But forget about money! And houses! And super! Let’s talk about what work can do for you. A job doesn’t have to be a chore; it can also be a great setting to achieve some personal goals and growth.
A job can provide built-in friendships, along with the opportunity to expand your network with like-minded individuals (after all, you share at least one major part of your life in common). The stability that comes with a job can have a grounding effect on other aspects of your life, and you can be stimulated mentally and/or physically, depending on the type of work!
Expanding your social circle can lead to new experiences, new ways of thinking and new opportunities. The simple act of getting a new job can spark a chain of events that can take you anywhere you want to go.
But you won’t know until you try! Hopefully this has taught you something valuable about the power of a job, and if you’re a job seeker who’s been inspired to look for work, contact us to find out how we can help today.
You can also check out more tips and information regarding employment, we’ve got more resources here, and you can sign up to be the first one to receive more news like this here!