How to Get a Holiday Job

Chris Yee
As the holidays are drawing near, you're probably thinking of ways to get cash fast to do something special. If you're planning on spending the holidays with friends, buying a new home entertainment or stereo system for a gift or maybe you're trying to save up for a special occasion then you need a job where you can get money quick. You need a holiday job. How can you get easy money in a short amount of time? Finding the skills your good at and setting a work schedule are the first two steps. Apply the first two steps to those looking for part-time work. This article will help you find what you're good at and look at two industries perfect for a holiday job, retail and restaurants.

Get experience. If you've looked through the papers and classified ads and found nothing, try looking at what skills you have and can use at a job. Look for work that has a need for the skills you possess. Are you good with little kids? Do you love animals? Besides your run of the mill job in the mall or shopping center, there are plenty of other opportunities for seasonal or holiday jobs. Some possible jobs include babysitting, dog walking, car washing, paper delivery or even gardening. Wherever you work or whoever you work for, it's important to be informed about minimum wage laws for teenagers.

If you're a teenagers or student, find the time and set a schedule of when you can work. If you only want to work on Saturdays, cafes and shops are good places to start looking. Look for busy business's that get a lot of customers. If the place is busy and people tip well, you can make a killing in just one night. Sometimes, it's all about who you know. Setting a work schedule is important. By setting a schedule you allow yourself time for work and play. No one wants to work all through the holiday season and not even enjoy the holiday. Once you've honed your skills and figured out when you can work, you can start looking at two of the most popular industries during the holiday, retail and restaurants.

Retail is pretty much a no-brainer. People shop and buy more things at retail outlets and shopping malls during the holiday season than any other time of the year. With the sudden rush of people, retailers are going to be in need of more staff. This is where you come in! Make easy money by just folding shirts, restocking the aisles, or just providing customer service. Retail stores like Toys "R" Us, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and Michaels will certainly need extra help this season. Here's a little tip: ask your potential employer if you get an employee discount. Shopping will be a lot cheaper with an employer discount!

Restaurants are a different beast. During the holiday season, there is an increase in the amount of foot traffic both fast food joints and casual dining places get. A lot of people are in a hurry and can be impatient. But if you have the charm and tolerance, the restaurant business can be a cash cow. Places such as The Cheesecake Factory, P.F.Chang's, Macaroni Grill and even Wendy's and Burger King make a ton of money during the holiday season. Don't forget to ask about an employee discount!

Making easy money in a short amount of time isn't as hard as it may seem. You can easily make a couple hundred in one night waiting on customers at The Cheesecake Factory. If you need cash now or for the holidays, working in retail or at restaurants for just a couple of month will give you what you need. Just find what you're good at, know your schedule and look for the hot spots around town to work at.

Published by Chris Yee

Cat owner, dog lover, movie goer, couch potato. Just trying to find my way through life.  View profile

6 Comments

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  • Sheri Fresonke Harper12/21/2007

    Good article :) Sheri

  • Nancy Lichtenstein12/21/2007

    I had no idea chain restaurants gave employee discounts just like retail stores...very interesting.

  • Scribepal12/19/2007

    I think the post office also hires extra seasonal workers.

  • Sparkle77212/7/2007

    Good article. I am definitely in need of a Holiday job. No serving for me though; Sherry is sooooo right!

  • julz12/6/2007

    For now AC is my holiday job. LOL

  • Sherry W12/5/2007

    Good ideas! Just as a sidenote, if you're new to being a server, the holiday season isn't a great time to start. :)

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