Part-time Jobs for Holiday Spending
Submitted by SharpMan Editorial Team on Sunday 10th October 2010- Where to look for a part-time seasonal job.
- What types of jobs are out there.
- How to find a job that fits your interests.
Most of us could use a little extra money around the holiday season. Whether you need to purchase additional gifts or are planning a getaway, extra income could come in handy. Instead of fretting over how to cut corners and save money, consider getting a part-time job to pay for your holiday expenses. Working a few extra nights or over the weekend can pad your checkbook and help out with all of those holiday spending goals.
Here's a look at some traditional and nontraditional ways to make money during the holidays:
Working at your local department store. With the busiest shopping time of the year approaching, many retail stores hire seasonal help between October and February. Most stores advertise for clerks, stock help, sales associates, gift wrappers, and more. For SharpMen with nine-to-five jobs, an evening or weekend shift may provide you with a way to pay for those gifts you’ve been eyeing. Additionally, some stores offer employee discounts that could defray the cost of your gifts. Why not get a job at the store where you’d planned to splurge?
While busy holiday sales generally leave little time for boredom, you may want to apply for a position in store that caters to one of your hobbies (i.e., cycling, outdoor gear, etc.). Your independent interest in the goods sold will make the job more entertaining, and will ensure that you become a valued member of your new "team."
Working with a temporary employment agency. Most people consider temporary employment agencies a last-resort option for people who can't get jobs in the conventional way. No more. The fact is, temporary employment is fast becoming a popular option for job hunters.
According to the American Staffing Association, an organization representing the temporary staffing industry, 3.1 million people were employed by a temporary agency in 1999.
Why? Flexibility. Signing up with a temporary agency allows you to pick what you do and when you do it — generally without a commitment. This freedom appeals to many people — particularly those looking for extra income during the holidays.
Most temporary services offer jobs in data entry, clerical, light assembly, warehouse, customer service and more. Often the hours vary greatly. For example, many of these "office" jobs actually require temps after hours — when you’re available.
Temporary agencies also fill positions according to the seasonal needs of their region. For example, in Minnesota, temporary agencies help snow removal companies fill positions for snow plow drivers, shovelers and laborers. Consider some of these more physical positions — they’re a great way to make money and get into the best shape of your life!
Each temporary employment agency will have different opportunities, so call around and see what's out there. And you never know: you might end up with a position that will beef up your resume — or lead to an interesting permanent job opportunity.
Working at UPS, Federal Express, the U.S. Post Office and other delivery service companies. This is a crazy time of year for mail carriers, delivery services and couriers. That's why many companies such as UPS hire what they call "Santa's Helpers" to assist the regular full-time workers with their workload. Helpers ride along with the drivers and deliver packages to residences and businesses.
One drawback to signing on as a "Santa’s Helper" is that it requires you to help with deliveries during the day — generally not ideal for nine-to-five SharpMen. No sweat. These agencies also require help sorting packages and loading trucks in their warehouses on nights and weekends.
Check the want ads/don't be shy. Because so many employers are short on workers during the holidays, your most effective route may be to search the classifieds. If you’re comfortable doing so, spread the word to friends, family — you never know what might pop up.
If you have a particular interest in a certain industry, a temporary holiday hire may allow you to gain experience and help you transition into a future position. For example, if you're a golf fanatic, stop by your favorite pro shop and see if they need some extra help for the holiday season. If you like hunting and fishing, waterskiing, snowmobiling or surfboarding, check with your local shop — they just might need you.
Whether it be at a coffee shop, restaurant, sports arena or theater, inquire about openings and opportunities. That way, you can find a job you
like and look forward to going to, which will make working part-time for the holidays that much more enjoyable — and worth it.
Alternative Sources of Holiday Cash:
- Saving money by avoiding the bar scene? Offer to watch a family or neighbor child for a fee.
- Care for a traveler’s pet in their absence.
- Liquidate an old hobby collection that you no longer enjoy (baseball cards, coins or other collectables). Don’t know how? Check out Ebay.com.
- Are you a SharphandyMan? Help out for a fee or, instead of buying gifts, give handyman "gift certificates" to friends and family. Shoveling snow, fixing small items and assisting in a move are all valuable services