Should You Get a Summer Job?

Ah summertime. With vacations, beach days, and backyard barbecues on the mind, you’re probably not thinking about getting a summer job. But whether you’re a teacher with summers off, a student on break, or you just want to save some money, summer is an ideal time to look for extra work.

Here are four reasons why you should get a summer job.

1. You can take advantage of seasonal work

Summertime boasts a plethora of seasonal jobs that aren’t available any other time of year. This is excellent news because it means a lot of employers are hiring just for the summer. It’s also great news for you as you won’t have to stress about giving your notice after only a few months. You can simply work for a short time and bank the extra cash.

As an added bonus, there is generally less competition for these jobs since they are only guaranteed for a season. Some seasonal opportunities include working in retail, lifeguarding, tourism, and landscaping – just to name a few.

To find jobs near you, it’s pretty easy to ask around, join neighborhood Facebook groups or and post what you’re looking for on NextDoor. Chances are, you’ll get a few referrals in a matter of minutes! Or, you can check out SummerJobs.com to find employers near you.

2. You’ll earn extra cash

Who wouldn’t benefit from some extra cash?

While a simple, seasonal job might not make you rich, it can certainly help you achieve your financial goals faster.

Want to pay off debt? Consider a summer job. Start an emergency fund? Save for a trip? Then you should definitely consider seasonal work.

Better yet, if you have other income from your primary job, you can stash away what you earn from your summer gig. Even an extra $200 a week can add up – helping you save $1600 in just eight weeks! That’s plenty of dough to kickstart your savings goals.

3. You’ll give your days structure

Maybe an abundance of free time isn’t for you. Or, perhaps you can use some structure this summer. Either way, a summer job can provide you an opportunity to fill your time and earn money.

Because let’s face it: There are only so many days you can sit at home before you become bored out of your mind. Summer can feel incredibly long if you don’t have anything planned. So, take advantage of your downtime and earn some money while you’re at it.

And, if you’re pushing your kids to find a summer job, this is an excellent opportunity to teach them about budgeting, saving, and time management. You can even open a mobile bank account and teach your teens how to track income and expenses while on the go.

4. You’ll learn new skills and have some fun

If you have ever wanted to try out a new career, then a summer job is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Maybe you want to take a break from teaching and work in tourism this summer. Or, perhaps you want to land an internship before heading back to grad school. Or, if you’re an entrepreneur at heart, then you can use this summer to launch your business.

There are hundreds of new skills you can learn by shaking up your routine and trying out a new summer job. Whether it’s customer service, billing, manual labor, or coaching, get out there and try something new.

Are there drawbacks to a summer job?

Of course, there are plenty of instances where a summer job may not be worth it.

For example, when you have a summer job, you lose out on time you could be spending on other things, like traveling, home improvement projects, or lazy summer days at home with your kids. A secondary summer job can also add a layer of stress to your life if you already work a demanding 9 to 5 job.

So, before you jump into a summer job, weigh the pros and cons. Just remember: While a summer job isn’t for everyone, if you have the luxury of free time this summer and can use the extra money, then why not? Besides, a summer job can be just what you need to bolster your financial goals.