Is It Good or Bad to Apply for a Seasonal Job Position when You Dont Really Want It?

Times are ever-changing, and the current labor market is abundant with opportunities. In the U.S., there are still twice as many jobs as there are workers to fill them. This means that a seasonal or short-term job isn't necessarily a negative.

Especially if you're out of work, a seasonal job can serve as a transitional position. Use this time to learn as much as you can and nastically network. It’s an opportunity to earn while growing your professional skills and connections.

The right job will come along, and it might take a few short-term employment opportunities to make that transition. My tip is to make sure that you identify this experience as seasonal work on your resume or application. This will help calm the nerves of old-school recruiters or hiring managers who may view short-term employment negatively.

Employers need to stop looking at short-term employment as a negative. The modern workforce is characterized by industries that constantly shift, creating a new form of ‘job hopping’ known as economic survival job hopping. Most people understand that companies or jobs won't provide lifetime employment security. This was a thing of the past, and even sectors like the military are now affected by shifting technologies that make some roles obsolete.

Why wouldn't someone change jobs if better or different opportunities came their way? Employers mostly don't deserve loyalty. They often dismiss employees without a second thought and sometimes don't call them back when hiring again. Think of the Pandemic, where companies were quick to let go of employees and just as quick to ignore them during subsequent hires.

The truth is, when you work for someone else, you're at their mercy. You are depending on them to keep the lights on and the doors open. It's important to recognize that you own your job security, not your employer. They simply do not care about your future life and well-being.

Not understanding that you own your job security is what will ultimately crush you. Yes, I said it. You must not depend on your employer for job security. They have no vested interest in your future. It is really an exciting opportunity to take control of your professional life. Plan how you want that to look and be proactive in taking steps to achieve your goals each day.

Use that seasonal job as a starting point and make it part of your career journey. Learn what it takes to get to the next step on your path. Whether it's enhancing your skills, networking, or simply gaining valuable experience, take every opportunity to advance your career. This is a chance to shape your professional future and I wish you the best of luck!