Looking to make some extra cash this winter—or just need a little extra money to buy all those gifts on your list? Whether you're already working or perhaps wanting to pick up a few hours to supplement your current income, there are a number of seasonal jobs that may be able to help. Here are our top seven budget boosters.
7 Part-Time Winter Jobs To Consider
1. Package Handler
The holidays are prime shipping season, which means package handlers will be in high demand! Package handling is a physical, fast-paced job, involving continual lifting of packages that could weigh as much as 35 pounds. Many positions expect about 20 hours of availability per week. If you can meet these conditions, this could be a great way to make some extra seasonal loot and keep your waistline in check throughout the holiday season.
2. Liquor Stores
Some of us like to get into the holiday spirit by, well, drinking holiday spirits, and this is evident in just how crazy the liquor stores and wine shops get as we head into the holidays. These stores are always looking for extra help, especially during December, and their wages aren't too shabby either. (If you live in Ontario, you'll want to look for part-time jobs at the LCBO.)
3. Retail Work
Cha-ching! The busiest season for retail spending is during the holidays—making it the best time to find retail work! But if ringing up cash registers isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other positions, including customer service, stocking shelves, merchandising, ordering, baking, candy-making, gift wrapping, and more. Check popular sites such as Indeed.ca, as well as Retail.ca for opportunities. (Retail.ca is a member of the Jobs.ca network of specialized Canadian websites, which posts hundreds of job offers across the country.)
4. Security
An increase in store traffic often calls for an increase in store security. Holiday security guards are usually employed throughout November and December, with Black Friday and Christmas being a major focus. (Canadians have officially jumped on the "Black Friday" bandwagon.) Most positions do not require experience in the law enforcement field, although completion of a brief corporate training class may be necessary, depending on the organization. If you’re searching for security guard positions online with little luck, you may want to try “Seasonal Asset Protection Security” as this seems to be the job title du jour!
5. Winter Resort Work
Winter time brings winter sports, and there is no shortage of winter resorts, hotels, ski clubs and spas across Canada catering to locals and out-of-towners. Whether working lift operations, food and beverage services, guest services, maintenance, wait staff, or even crew patrol, the cold months can bring big paychecks. Many places don’t advertise positions, so it’s best to find those near you and search directly within their site for opportunities.
6. Snow Removal
While driving a plow requires licensing and insurance, there are still opportunities to do some good old-fashioned shoveling! Rather than compete with the kids looking for an extra buck, find a company hiring seasonal workers online.
7. Holiday Characters
Not all holiday character positions are volunteer jobs. You may have the honour of dressing up as a reindeer, an elf, Mrs. Claus, or Santa himself—and get paid to do it! Because these are short-term gigs, and very specific to location, it’s often best to check directly with stores, hotels, malls, etc. and look at local job postings.
The winter months can take a toll on us financially, often leaving us with a holiday hangover. If you want to spend a bit more this season without breaking your budget, consider picking up one of these part-time seasonal jobs. Do you have another way to earn money this winter? Let us know in the comments below!
