The Ups and Downs of Seasonal Jobs

by AJ Pettersen · 2 comments

I have an odd work schedule throughout the year. I only work at my full-time position between March and August, after which I have to find another job. Since the off season is only six months long, there aren’t many companies that are interested in hiring me. With a college degree and some time on my hands, where do I turn?

Before the off season begins, I start to look for jobs that fit my schedule. I usually work out in the mornings for a few hours and leave some time at night for other baseball activities. This leaves the middle of the day for work. As I mentioned, I have a college degree — but I can’t really find a job that requires it.

In the past, I’ve made a list of criteria to narrow down my job search. The last two off seasons, I’ve been a freelance writer. I also work as a baseball instructor when the opportunity presents itself. These jobs give me what I need: good pay and flexible hours. This means that I don’t have to schedule my workouts or home life around another job. I can work wherever and whenever.

Freelance writing has been a blessing for me, because it’s allowed me to write from home and get paid while doing it. While I don’t have a ton of clients, I do get a steady stream of work throughout the off season, as well as a smaller amount during the season. This has helped to supplement my family’s combined income.

While not many people find themselves in the same situation, some people do have to find part-time jobs at different times in their life. This includes teachers, stay-at-home parents, or seasonal workers. Whenever you have time off from your job, you could be working in a temporary position.

For example, I know of teachers who coach sports teams in the summers and stay-at-home parents who work online. Department stores offer seasonal jobs around holidays, and many stores and restaurants offer shifts at numerous times throughout the day. While you want to ensure you’re doing something you enjoy, fitting work into your daily or seasonal schedule can do a lot for your bank account.

Finding the right position for your situation is vital. Just like I had to weigh the pros and cons of different jobs, you should do the same to find your perfect seasonal job.

Do you have any experience working a seasonal job?

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  • Property Marbella says:

    It is important to be as flexible as possible and be able to move away for a few months if necessary. In the restaurant, bar, entertainment, etc. there are lots of good jobs that are seasonal with good pay.

  • Simon @ Modest Money says:

    I can totally relate to this post, I used to work in the tourist hotel industry and thats one area really driven by seasons. Am also pleased to note that freelancing helped me fill in and manage comfortably during those off seasons.
    I also think it might be prudent and possible to sort of “hedge” your job, maybe plan such that you can get another job in another “ON” industry when the season at your main job is “OFF”…just a thought 🙂

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