Soaring inflation has left many workers in need of additional income, and many are planning to pick up some extra work in the fourth quarter.
While traditional seasonal industries, such as retail, can obviously benefit from the trend, the data suggests other fields could capitalize if they are proactive because many are hoping to use temporary work as a bridge to new full-time or career opportunities. Over the past year, experts have said businesses need to be thinking outside their traditional channels for talent. Individuals who are pursuing second jobs could represent one of those avenues.
Businesses that need full-time talent could use the part-time seasonal job as an extended job interview, Salemi said. It gives the employee a chance to experience the company culture, while employees can show off their soft skills and highlight how they fit into the company. “It’s in the employer's best interest because it’s really an excellent way for both parties to test drive it for size,” Salemi said. “I know how challenging it is to find talent in this difficult labor market.
About 60% of workers expect to make less than $10,000 from seasonal work this year, with about 25% anticipating making less than $5,000.