During busy times of the year, like the holidays, summer, or back-to-school, seasonal jobs tend to pop up to meet that temporary boost in demand. While some people think of these seasonal jobs as just short-term gigs, they actually offer some great benefits, like gaining valuable experience, earning extra income, and even exploring new career paths. In this post, we'll highlight some of the perks of seasonal employment, as well as clear up some common misconceptions. And if you're curious about seasonal opportunities, check out Spherion's job board for some exciting options that might be just right for you!
1. Seasonal jobs let you test-drive a new career path
Taking on a seasonal job is a fantastic way to explore a different industry or role. It provides a unique opportunity for you to gain exposure to totally new settings and develop new skills without the pressure of a long-term employment commitment. If you’re interested in a new industry, a seasonal position lets you dip your toes in and see what it's actually like, giving you some hands-on experience that can be incredibly valuable when determining if a particular career path aligns with your interests and strengths.
Not only that, but a seasonal job can also sometimes help you get your foot in the door and lead to a permanent position in the company or industry if it turns out to be a great fit. When employers are looking to fill full-time roles, they often look to their seasonal staff first, who already have some experience at the company.
Even if you don’t end up staying on, a seasonal position can significantly enhance your resume and improve your future job prospects. Potential employers will see that you’re willing to try new things and take a proactive approach to your career, making you a more attractive candidate for upcoming opportunities.
2. It helps you to bridge the gap between permanent jobs
Seasonal jobs are also an excellent way to supplement your income during periods of unemployment or career transition. They provide a steady paycheck and help you maintain financial stability while you search for your next permanent position. Beyond these financial benefits, a seasonal job also keeps you active in the workforce, preventing gaps in your employment history that could be a red flag to employers down the line.
Plus, seasonal jobs offer you the chance to build new references while you’re gaining new experiences, which can boost your chances for success in future job searches. Networking within the industry or company can lead to important connections and potential job offers, opening the doors to new opportunities. By staying engaged and gaining relevant experience, you’ll be positioning yourself as a take-charge and dedicated candidate, ready for your next career move.
3. A side hustle can help you earn extra income
How much do seasonal jobs pay? You may not have realized it, but seasonal jobs can be a lucrative source of supplemental income for those who may be looking to boost their earnings. Because they’re temporary, they don’t put you at risk of overscheduling yourself for the long term, which makes them a great option if you’re looking for extra income for household projects, paying off bills or loans, upcoming education plans, and more. They also tend to offer the flexibility to work around a primary job or other commitments, allowing you to make extra money without disrupting your regular schedule. And during peak seasons like the holidays, there's often potential for overtime or premium pay, which can make these jobs even more financially rewarding.
4. They help you make the most of time between academic semesters
For students especially, seasonal jobs are one of the best ways to make use of your time during summer breaks or academic holidays. They allow you to earn income that can help offset some of your educational expenses or living costs. This extra money can make a big difference in managing the cost of tuition, books, or everyday living expenses.
And just like internships would, seasonal jobs offer you the chance to gain practical work experience relevant to your future career goals. They help you develop essential soft skills like time management and teamwork, which are highly valued by employers, all while getting a regular paycheck. You can consider seasonal work in any industry to be a crucial part of building a strong foundation of experience that will look great on your resume and prepare you for your professional life after graduation.
5. Temporary employment can be a more convenient option
Finally, temporary employment offers great flexibility in scheduling and commitment levels, making it a convenient choice for many people. Whether you need a job that fits around other responsibilities or just prefer short-term commitments, temporary roles provide a solution that can adapt to your lifestyle. Parents or primary caregivers, students, gig workers, shift workers, and more all turn to seasonal work when they’re looking for flexible jobs that allow them to earn income on their terms and on their schedule.
Some potential employees may not know what exactly they’d like to pursue, and the prospect of committing completely to a full-time job—which they may not end up enjoying—can feel overwhelming. For them, temporary jobs also give you access to a wide range of industries and opportunities. You can explore different fields and gain diverse experiences, all while maintaining the flexibility you need. And as we’ve mentioned, many temporary roles have the potential to turn into long-term assignments or even permanent positions if they’re a good fit.
If the convenience of seasonal employment appeals to you, you may want to lean on staffing agencies like Spherion to make the job search and placement process even smoother. Staffing agencies have a ready network of vetted employers in the area and the inside scoop on who’s hiring, so they can connect you with the right opportunities quickly and efficiently, helping you find a role that matches your skills and availability. Whether you’re looking for something short-term or hoping to transition to a permanent job, temporary employment through a staffing agency can offer greater convenience to an already-convenient employment path.
6. You’ll find there are many benefits of seasonal jobs
From opportunities to earn extra income to filling employment gaps to exploring new industries, seasonal jobs offer the flexibility to fit around your existing commitments and provide opportunities to gain experiences that can enhance your resume and future career prospects. The variety of roles available allows you to build a wide range of skills, making you a more versatile and attractive candidate to future employers—and making seasonal work a rewarding choice.
For those interested in finding the perfect seasonal job, Spherion's job board is a great resource to explore. Check it out to discover exciting seasonal work opportunities that could be the perfect fit for you!