Part time work comes in all shapes and sizes and if you don’t want to work regular hours on a permanent basis then you might want to consider taking on seasonal jobs.
There are lots of types of seasonal jobs out there, some of which you might not even have considered. And the great thing with seasonal work is, it can take place at any time of year. Some sectors, like agriculture, for example, lend themselves well to summer seasonal work whilst warehouse and retail seasonal roles are good for those of you looking for Christmas jobs.
But seasonal work is not just all about summer and Christmas. Depending on the sector, you can find seasonal jobs at just about any time of year.
There are lots of advantages to seasonal jobs and, of course, with advantages come the disadvantages, too. If you are trying to decide whether or not seasonal work might be for you, take a look at the pros and cons we have listed below.
The Pros Of Seasonal Jobs
Seasonal Jobs Will Arm You With Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are those skills that you develop in any role and can take with you into other roles in different sectors in the future. They are the type of skills you can build with work experience in any sector. Seasonal jobs come up in various sectors of the economy so you can use them to build up some valuable work experience.
Seasonal Jobs Can Give You A Taster Of Different Industries
If you are thinking of a career change or you are not sure what type of job you would like to do, seasonal jobs can step in to help you out. You can apply for jobs in different industries and get a feel for what makes things tick in that sector. If you like it, you can go on to work in that sector in the future and if you decide it’s not for you, then there’s no pressure. You can complete your season and try out a new industry next time.
Seasonal Jobs Give You The Opportunity To Meet People From Different Backgrounds
People do seasonal jobs for lots of reasons so working in seasonal roles gives you the opportunity to meet people from different walks of life. Some make a career out of seasonal work, some might be looking to get back into the world of work after a break, some might be students who are taking a year out or who are earning some extra cash during their holidays.
Seasonal Jobs Give You The Opportunity To Network And Build Contacts
Seasonal jobs don’t necessarily have to be the type of job that you just do to earn a bit of extra cash over a limited period. You can use them as an opportunity to build contacts and network with people you might not otherwise get access to if you weren’t working.
This could be with management within the company to find a permanent role in the future or you might be doing the type of seasonal job where you are meeting people from various professions.
Doing Seasonal Jobs Demonstrates You Are Proactive And Keen To Work
If you have little or no work experience or you have had a long break from the workplace due to other commitments, taking on a seasonal role demonstrates that you are proactive and keen to work.
Future employers like to see that you have put yourself out there to gain experience and familiarise yourself with the world of work and with different types of roles.
Seasonal Jobs Can Help You Get A Foot In The Door
If you have landed yourself a seasonal job in the type of role where you would like to build a future career, this role can help you get a foot in the door. Do your best and be punctual at all times and don’t be afraid to approach management to let them know you are looking for permanent work.
If you have put yourself forward and impressed in your role, if a permanent position does become available, you might be approached to apply for it.
Seasonal Jobs Will Help You To Think On Your Feet And Learn New Skills Quickly
Seasonal roles are created because it is a busy period for a company or for a particular industry. Teams of staff are brought in to cover that busy period. If you have never done that type of role before, you will find yourself in a position where you will need to pick up new skills quickly and think on your feet. Even if your employer is organised and is in a position to offer training for some roles, you will still be working at the company’s busiest time with little time to ease yourself in gently.
These are excellent traits to be able to take forward with you into your next role.
Seasonal Jobs Give You The Opportunity To Earn Some Extra Cash
Well, of course this has to be a pro. If you need to replenish the bank account but you don’t want the commitment of a permanent job just yet, a seasonal job can give you the opportunity to keep yourself afloat financially whilst also concentrating on other commitments such as raising your family, studying or setting up a new business.
Seasonal Jobs Give You The Opportunity To Fill In Gaps On Your CV
If you have been out of the workplace for a while or you have little or no work experience, seasonal jobs can help you fill in those gaps on your CV. There are lots of seasonal jobs out there that are entry level where you have a good chance of landing a role.
If you are looking to restart your career after a break, you could look for seasonal roles within your field so that you can get some recent experience for when you apply for permanent roles.
You May Be Able To Fit Seasonal Hours Around Your Other Commitments
Seasonal jobs exist because there are periods of time that are very busy for particular sectors. For roles in factories and warehouses, for example, these places might begin to operate on a 24 hour basis.
If you have commitments that mean you need to be around in the daytime, some seasonal jobs can give you the opportunity to work nights or early mornings, for example.
Extra Perks
Some seasonal jobs come with extra perks over and above your salary. Depending on the nature of the role, you might get an end of season bonus, tips from customers to boost your pay packet or discounts that are offered by the company you work for.
Seasonal Jobs Can Give You Quality Work Life Balance
Seasonal jobs mean you can choose your blocks of work. You can work when you need the money and take time out when the bank account is replenished. This gives you the opportunity to pursue other interests.
The Cons Of Seasonal Jobs
With the pros come the cons. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why seasonal jobs might not be for you.
Lack Of Motivation
A lot of seasonal jobs tend to be entry level roles. Whilst these can get you some experience in the world of work, some of you might like roles that are a bit more varied and challenging. A repetitive, entry level seasonal job may leave you feeling unstimulated and unmotivated.
Low Pay
Not all seasonal roles are low paid but if you are in an entry level role where extra perks are limited or non-existent then the financial reward might not be particularly attractive.
Little Or No Training
Again, not all seasonal roles are the same and for some, you might receive excellent training and future qualifications in your field. For entry level seasonal jobs in other sectors, however, you will receive little or no training and therefore, no qualifications to show for your efforts.
Seasonal Work Can Hinder You In Your Other Pursuits
If you don’t choose your seasonal job wisely and don’t take into consideration the hours involved in the role you are applying for, you might find yourself working long hours. This can then affect your hunt for a permanent role, if you are looking for one. Or yo0u might find you have no time for other pursuits like studies or hobbies until your seasonal contract ends.
Seasonal Jobs Are Often At Times When You Would Like To Take A Holiday
Lots of seasonal jobs tend to crop up around the summer period or Christmas time. These are times when you might want to be at home with family or when you might want to take a holiday yourself.
Different Treatment
If you know the company where you are applying for seasonal jobs has perks for its regular staff, check if seasonal staff get the same treatment. For some seasonal jobs, you might not receive the same perks or benefits as the permanent team of staff.
Seasonal jobs can be a lot of fun and hugely rewarding. As long as you do your research before you apply for roles, you could find yourself with your ideal role that is going to suit your needs; whether that is to develop a career in seasonal work, gain some basic work experience or to get your foot in the door of restarting your previous career.
Take a look at part time vacancies to see if there are any seasonal roles to suit you.
