Students prepare for return to seasonal work

As fall gradually gives way to the winter season, certain events occur like clockwork. Apart from the weather becoming harsher, consumer spending invariably increases in tandem with the Holidays. With this increase comes the need for additional entry level employees as various employers all across the nation put on seasonal sales as reliably as the change of the seasons. These foot-soldiers of industry of course work mostly in the retail field. However, according to a source at an employment agency which wishes to remain nameless, there is also in increase in the number of delivery drivers required to keep the wheels of the food industry turning. This is a direct result of the worsening weather, as more people stay at home ordering meals and less people desire to work in the delivery field during winter.

Unfortunately, most of the big retail outlets, such as Wal-Mart and Kohl's, have already done their hiring for the Holiday season. Some of these positions are of course taken by students, but other groups amongst America's workforce, such as stay-at-home-moms also step up to seize such economic opportunities. According to the aforementioned contact at an anonymous employment agency, the next big push in jobs opening up won't occur until the spring time. "I would like a seasonal job, but I just can't find one," Andre Jones, a student at Parkland College, said. "I feel like I would be doing better in school right now if I didn't have a seasonal job. I would like a seasonal job over the Holidays though."

David, another Parkland student, had this to say of his year round delivery job for Jimmy John's, which is steeply effected by the presence of University of Illinois students, "I love my job. When it picks up, ‘I'm going to make a lot of money,' and when it slows down I can sit back and enjoy my shift."

While many Parkland students work full time and have full class schedules, there are those who simply cannot afford to divide their time between the two efforts while succeeding in both areas. "I think it's a good idea if it is a part time job, but not if it conflicts with your courses and study time," Jones said.

In general, most students seem to have a positive opinion of picking up seasonal work. The obvious benefits of extra work—and more money—go without saying. Additionally, seasonal positions almost always necessitate the seasonal workers doing overtime to keep up with increased spending on the part of the American public. Tim Canavan, who holds both a part time position with the Parkland Industrial Program and also works on his father's farmland, is one of those students. In reference to his position with the Parkland Industrial Program, Canavan had this to say, "Its hands on work experience, and I enjoy working with my hands." Ray Terry, another student at Parkland who works as a painter, shared similar sentiments. "I'm a student worker, so obviously I think it's a good idea," Terry said. "Everyone could use a few extra bucks over the Holiday season, especially students."

One can hardly argue with Terry's simple logic. However, not everyone who participates in seasonal work has a high opinion of every seasonal job field. Parkland's very own Iquisa, who has worked her fair share of seasonal jobs, had this to say of the Holiday season she spent working for UPS, "I hated it…I couldn't even afford Pamper's for my baby." To be fair, Iquisa, who has over fifteen years in the medical field, referred to another Christmas she spent working at Sears as, "A work out I will never forget, but it was fun."

By the time this article hits the stands, much of the seasonal hiring will have been completed. Still, just as winter is sure to come, so it is sure to pass. With the spring will arise another increase in hiring for most every corporate enterprise, just as surely as the weather will get better.