Find Your Perfect Autumn Job: Opportunities Await
Today is the Autumnal Equinox in the United States, so, we are officially in the Fall Season! Changing leaves, mums become the flower of the month, pumpkins are abundant, Halloween decorations dominate the retailer’s shelves, along with hints of Thanksgiving and Christmas! The football season is already a few weeks old! Hot cocoa no longer seems too hot to drink, and fireplaces are ablaze!
Career Transitions and the Changing Seasons
For those experiencing a career transition, the changing of the seasons is not always a welcome sign. It can make one think, “I am still out of work, it’s been xxx months, how long will this take to land?” Well, we do not have a crystal ball to give us that answer, however there are opportunities that come with this season.
Holiday Hiring!
On Tuesday, 9/24 we will be 90 days from Christmas Eve, so what does that mean? It means, stores are amid their holiday hiring. This season is a terrific opportunity to seek out and put in applications for holiday employment at your local favorite store. Are there places that you regularly shop where they know you by name? That should be your first stop!
Target has advertised that they are hiring over 100,000 workers this season. Whole Foods is hiring. Other stores will be adding to staff as well. Take it from a retail veteran, most HR teams would hire an available professional in a millisecond because of experience, intelligence, and customer service skills.
Many displaced professionals tend to turn away from retail jobs. Let us face it, retail is hard, busy long hours, work that can be physical with moving merchandise, adjusting fixtures, and dealing with the public in a rush. Some people consider retail jobs “beneath” them, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Here are eight reasons why securing a part-time position makes sense:
- You make extra money, enough to pay for groceries if not more. (yes, you can earn on top of your unemployment, check with your state unemployment office).
- You may luck into a base plus commission position and make even more $$ (nice if your unemployment has run out.).
- You meet people, you may wind up waiting on a hiring manager in your industry and can network. (Yes, it has happened to many people).
- You learn new skills and a new industry. (always great for your resume).
- If you are bilingual, stores really love that to be able to help customers who do not speak English.
- You can keep fit by being on your feet, walking, moving stock and replenishing shelves.
- It can also lead to full-time work, even management, so you can get some money coming in and benefits.
- It lifts your spirit because you are out of the house doing something productive and helping others.
Remember, there are many people for whom the Holidays are NOT a time of joy. You may be that special person who brings joy to another during the frenzy of the shopping season.
Go forth my career transition friends and enjoy the season!
Check out our other blogs on career transitions and coping with the emotional side of job transitions. Be sure to sign up for our email list to receive a free copy of our Top 10 Things to do when Downsized and Supportive Reading Resources for Transitions. As always, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or thoughts at support@mindfuljobalignment.com. We’d love to hear from you!
By: Diana C. Stephens, PhD