Deciding to try work is a personal decision with many factors involved. However, if you think you may be ready to try work, the upcoming holiday season may be a great time to start your employment journey. Many employers are looking for seasonal employees and this can be a great temporary way to see if you're ready for the workforce.
Deciding if and when you're ready to try work is a very personal decision with many factors to consider. And each person's timeline for entering the workforce is unique. However, if you decide that this is your time, you may want to start your journey to financial independence during the upcoming holiday season.
Why? Because many employers are looking for additional end-of-the-year help that is seasonal or temporary. Seasonal work is a great way to try out a job or industry to learn whether it's the right fit for you without a long-term commitment. Seasonal employees also can sometimes transition to more permanent employment.
In addition to being short term and a possible first step into the workforce, seasonal work has some other benefits that can help you on your employment journey:
When people hear seasonal employment, they often think of retail employees for the holidays. That is one option you can explore as you look for work. However, if you think retail may not be for you, there are other industries hiring around the end of the year that may be a better fit. These include:
No matter the type of seasonal job you apply for, there are a few universal tips to help you make a great impression during your interview and possibly land the job. This job may be temporary, but being prepared for your interview, dressing professionally and respecting the process are always important.
Many seasonal jobs conduct open interviews. This means that instead of scheduling a one-on-one time to meet with you, they have a set time slot to meet with everyone who is interested in applying for a seasonal job.
Open interviews can be done individually or in a group setting. If you're going to an open interview, bring a few extra copies of your resume and references. You may be meeting with more than one manager. Be prepared to wait; open interviews can sometimes take the hiring manager the entire time slot to meet with everyone. Finally, even though it is an open interview, make sure to get the interviewer's information so you can send them a thank you note once the interview is complete.
There's a lot to consider when job searching and it can be tough trying to do everything on your own. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.
By participating in the Ticket Program, you'll have access to a wide variety of services from service providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment.
To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.
To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.
If you're interested in receiving text messages from the Ticket Program, please text TICKET to 474747. Standard messaging rates may apply. We'll send updates from our blog, identify steps on the path to employment and more. We hope you'll find this new way to stay in touch helpful. You can opt out at any time.
If you're interested in receiving text messages from the Ticket Program, please text TICKET to 474747. Standard messaging rates may apply. We'll send updates from our blog, identify steps on the path to employment and more. We hope you'll find this new way to stay in touch helpful. You can opt out at any time.
Contact the Ticket to Work Help Line
Call 1-866-968-7842
1-866-833-2967 (TTY)
M-F 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET
Contact the Ticket to Work Help Line
Call 1-866-968-7842
1-866-833-2967 (TTY)
M-F 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET
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