The Time is Now

A different kind of summer vacation

You’re out of work. Maybe you have some hot irons in the fire, or maybe there is nothing that appears too promising on the horizon at the moment. But you still need something to do and the money would sure help.

Just like a lot of places will staff up for the holidays, many other employers will take on summer help as well. “Contrary to popular opinion, employers really do like to hire older workers for seasonal jobs,” says Nancy Collamer at nextavenue.org.

They may not be glamorous; they may not pay at a level at which you’re comfortable, but it will demonstrate that you’re out there trying to make something happen. And many offer non-traditional work hours leaving you time during the day to continue your job search.

Where to look

While restaurants may be a good place to start, you might also want to consider some of the traditional summer hot spots, such as tourist locations – even some cruise lines. Many of them very much favor the older worker. Other typical summer possibilities include home and garden centers and the golf business – in the pro shop, as a starter, or at a driving range.

But don’t limit yourself to vacation spots and recreation areas, many employers use this opportunity to staff up for data input and transcribers as well as retail jobs and customer service. Checking with a temp service to discover something more professional, more business-oriented opportunities. They may even have something more inline with what you’re searching for, or something that may aid you in your larger job search.

Let’s not forget that this is the 21st Century. Even new-age businesses such as Uber and Lyft offer possibilities. And don’t forget the internet. If you’re serious about finding seasonal work, coolworks.com maintains listings of summer and seasonal jobs for your perusal.

Once you start digging, you never know what you might unearth, even if you’re not in landscaping.

More tips.