Tips on How to Find and Survive Holiday Jobs
Making Extra Cash During Holidays Means Paying Attention to Details
Nov 16, 2009
In the rush to make a little extra cash, don't get caught short. Be prepared for those unexpected expenses sometimes involved in creating extra income.
Where to Find Jobs During the Holiday Season
First of all, don't expect loads of cash. These jobs are just meant to help pay some bills or give some spending cash for the season.
Of course retail jobs are the first place one thinks of for extra cash. Most retail locations need extra staff due to extended hours. Don't just think big malls though to find employment. Locally owned small shops and service stores also need extra staff.
Flyers seem to multiply at this time of year as well. Someone has to deliver these flyers, which usually means the local paper or distributor is looking for extra staff as well.
Consider going to a Temp Agency as well. Often general labourers are needed to pick up any slack left by regular employees getting time off or vacation.
Movie theatres are another avenue looking for extra workers due to an anticipated influx of movie-goers. And don't forget that for all these places, cleaners are needed to clean up the increased mess – another area to consider picking up extra cash.
And don't forget about photography places, as well as Santa's helpers!
Be Creative for Part Time Jobs!
Take a look around the neighbourhood. Often people are too busy to clean up their lawns in preparation for winter. A handy person with a rake and wheelbarrel could make some nice cash cleaning up for others who are too tired, too old, or just unable to do it themselves. And remember, word of mouth goes a long way in this type of industry. Got a ladder? Make cash cleaning leaves and debris out of rain gutters and eavesdrops.
Consider investing in making small gift baskets for others, for sale. At an office? Good at baking? Offer to make batches for sale for others to give away. Same idea as baskets – think of other items such as making soap, to create unique gifts.
How to Avoid Pitfalls in Part time Employment and Hold onto the Cash
Be careful in the type of employment. Many stores, especially theatres, will schedule employees and if there does not seem to be the demand (no crowds) – send them home without credit for the full shift. Consider the cost of getting to the place of employment. If a full hour is needed to cover costs of travel, then consider a job closer to home. Or ask up front about this policy – see if there is some type of rotation for this kind of treatment. No, being sent home early without pay should not be legal, but often there are no regulations covering part time workers. So being prepared is the best protection.
Don't consider cleaning others' yards if there are pre-disposing injuries. Ensure a price is agreed upon before doing the work. Do relatives' yards first to give a better idea of what's involved and time involved, so a more accurate assessment of time spent is achieved.
Gift baskets involve putting money out first. But it is not worth it to go into debt to create these before payment. If there is no cash flow to start with, do not consider this option. Try the more simpler approach with baking - and just ask for payment for the goods, not the creation of a basket/gift box.
If delivering flyers, consider appropriate attire. If there is a cost to prepare for the outdoor weather and walking, perhaps a different method of earning would be better.
If considering being a Santa helper, or working at a photography place (many people want a Christmas photo for gifts), make sure the environment is suitable. Crowds and kids are the order of the day – so stay away if either is not a match for job interests.
Bottom Line
Retail is the best source for part time work, but consider local shops and services. Try being creative and create a job that reflects personal talents or skills, such as baking or cleaning. Whatever or where ever holiday cash can be made, don't get caught in a trap of paying to have a job. Consider all expenses such as travel and attire, as well as expenditures, when considering a part time job.
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