Turn a Summer Job into Winter Work

As school lets out for the summer, some people see it as a time to kick back and relax. Others are hoping to start a new career that will continue after swimsuit season ends. They see it as an opportunity to cash in on the increase in openings available and stash some cash.

Society shifts in the summer. As the temperature rises, so does the amount of travel and leisure activities in which Americans engage. This creates more openings in certain areas of work that aren’t always limited to the summer season, but it’s a great place to get a start in the field.

Consider trying to turn one of these seasonal positions into a full time gig even after Labor Day:

Lifeguard – The best way to make this seasonal position stick is to skip applying at an outdoor facility. Don’t protect the beach or an uncovered community pool if you’re looking to lifeguard year round. Apply at the YMCA, rec center or a school campus with a pool. Check if there are any apartment complexes in the area that have an indoor pool in need of an attendant. Long term, many lifeguards find fulfillment in fulltime work as paramedics since their skill sets are similar.

Bartender – Whether you’re in school, out of school or on break, pouring drinks can pass the time and pay the bills. Flexible late night schedules are perfect for people who like to sleep in all summer and nightly cash comes in handy. If bars aren’t exactly within your comfort zone consider slinging swill for a catering company or an event venue like a conference center. From summer weddings to Christmas parties, people tend to tip better at upscale events that go on year round anyway.

Night Auditor – Hotels hire a variety of positions in the summer but one of the hardest to retain after training is a night auditor. Finding someone who is trustworthy, good at math and doesn’t mind staying up all night or dealing with customer complaints can be difficult. If you are one of the select few who can cut it even after the tourists have headed home you’ve got a good chance of job security. These positions usually pay a night differential and offer the added benefit of being able to travel to other locations within the chain for cheap.

Landscaper – With the summer sun comes yard work and landscapers are usually looking for a few helping hands with green thumbs. If possible, get a position cutting grass for the government to make sure you have something to do through the winter. There are always road shoulders and medians that need mowing.  For something more creative, try to find a crew affiliated with a nursery.

Pool Tech – Not strictly summer work, pool techs keep busy by making repairs and maintaining clients’ pools year round. Find a busy company by calling apartment complexes in the area with the biggest pools and asking who they use. For a smaller team try suggesting strategically scheduling closings to spread the business into the slimmer money months.

Summer is that magical time where opportunities are endless. Plan your approach ahead of time so you can turn a seasonal position into something more. Don’t treat any job as if it’s temporary. Show your boss you can cut it as an annual employee every chance you get.