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Retail Seasonal Jobs over the Chaotic Christmas Holiday
By Sid | June 20, 2008
Working a retail job from Thanksgiving through Christmas can be a very difficult position to be in and won’t necessarily let up until the first week after Christmas day. During this incredibly busy season more people are in the stores than at any other time of year, and managers are often looking for some extra labor to help them through the busy season. Customers become more demanding when they feel crowded or pressed for time, and the sheer volume of people needing help means that every check-out lane may need to be open and that all of the cashiers in a store’s roster may not be enough.
A seasonal job can start months before Christmas, but some seasonal jobs last only a month or so. Employers are often constantly on the lookout for potential labor when the season commences, so finding a seasonal job toward the end of the season is still possible as long as there is ample time for training. A holiday job can be a great way to earn some extra money right before the holidays, and you will never have to feel like you are committing to something for any length of time, since the majority of seasonal workers are laid off at the end of the season when conditions return to normal.
One benefit to seasonal jobs is that you can work only during your off time. For example, you can dictate your start date as the first day after school ends, and work for just a couple of months or sometimes even less. This time allows you to make money that you can apply toward future schooling, Christmas gifts, and more, and working at a retail store often entitles you to retail store discounts (although some stores only give you the discount after you have passed your three month probation period.)
If you’re interested in a seasonal job, asking some of your favorite retailers ahead of the busy season is a good idea. Their management might already have an idea of how much seasonal work is needed, and if you put in your application as a seasonal worker toward the beginning of fall and ask to be kept on file for the Christmas rush, than you may have a leg up on others who do not think to apply before the need arrives. This early application gives employers time to interview and even train you before they become stressed over the season, and allows you to start working just as the rush picks up rather than having to jump in while the entire retail industry is moving at full steam.
For people who thrive on stress and fast-paced environments, the Christmas rush can provide the perfect excitement for the end of the year, and if you are trying to keep busy until school starts again, then it is a profitable way to do it. There are many different kinds of people who benefit from working during the Christmas rush, but these people must all have a few things in common.
Keep in mind that seasonal doesn’t always mean around the holiday season. There are many different types of retail store jobs. For example, a shop on the boardwalk at your favorite beach would get a season rush Memorial Day through Labor Day. The same is true for outlet retail locations – their seasonal rushes usually come in the summer. For a greenhouse, their seasonal rush may occur in the spring or fall. Bookstores in college towns may have a seasonal rush in the early fall. Therefore, you can be on the lookout for seasonal retail work no matter what time of the year you need a job.
Working a seasonal job takes a lot of patience when dealing with customers and you may need to fake a smile every once in a while to get the job done. Working seasonal jobs means that you must be willing to work a short period before being laid off. If you are willing to do that, a seasonal job can be a great way to gain some work experience, spend your time, and earn some extra cash.
Topics: The Workplace |
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