The Pros and Cons of Having a Part-Time Job During Winter Break

There's no easier time to get a part-time job than during the holidays.

Just about everyone is hiring, because they need all the extra help they can get.

Before you dive headfirst into the application process, scroll through the pros and cons of having a part-time job during winter break to see if it's really the right thing for you.

Pro: Extra Cash

One of the biggest pros of having a part-time job is making some extra cash. Sure, you have to work for it, but it feels so nice when you get that first paycheck. It's such a treat seeing all of your hard work pay off.

You can buy stuff on your own dime without having to ask your parents first. Or you could save it—but let's be honest, it's much more fun to spend it.

And having some money during the holidays is especially satisfying, because you can buy gifts for your friends and family.

(SpongeBob SquarePants via Nickelodeon)

 

Con: No Free Time

Having a job during winter break means you don't really get to experience much of a break. You'll be working while your besties are enjoying some free time.

You'll have a few days off here and there, but you'll probably spend them catching up on sleep before you have to go into work the next day.

This also means you might have to miss out on your family's vacation, if you can't get the time off from your job.

 

Pro: Gaining Experience

From having a better understanding of time management to improving your communication skills, you'll gain a ton of life and work experience at your first part-time gig.

Whether you've had a part-time job before or this is your first, it's another gig to add to your resume.

 

Con: Working on the Holidays

Depending on where you work, you'll probably have a shift on a holiday, one of the worst parts about having a job during winter break. No matter what you do, you can't escape working on a holiday.

That being said, you can be strategic in where you apply. If you really, really don't want to work on a holiday, don't take a job at a restaurant, movie theater or the mall.

(Glee via 20th Television)

 

Pro: Meeting New People

You'll be surrounded by a ton of new and fascinating people at your part-time job, including coworkers and patrons. You're not going to like everyone, but you're sure to befriend a few of your coworkers. Heck, you might even meet your future S.O. at your job. Who knows?

 

Con: More Stress

Having a part-time job is always stressful, but it's even more difficult to keep up with during the holiday season. While many consider it the most wonderful time of the year, many are often on-edge during the holidays. It's safe to say you'll experience plenty of not-so-pleasant encounters with quite a few patrons, which will put you in a bad mood, too.

Remember: Don't take your work home with you. If you find yourself continually thinking about something that went wrong or an experience with a rude customer, let it go. You don't need that extra negativity in your life, especially during the holidays.

 

Pro/Con: It's Temporary

Any job you'll apply for over winter break comes with an expiration date. It's a temporary position that will likely run for about three months.

Most places hire a lot of extra help over the holiday season, only to let them go once it's over. Some employers keep some people on, but you have to work hard to be one of the chosen few. So if you want to keep this job even after winter break is over, you better be prepared to work your butt off during the holiday season to make it happen.

If you're not a fan of your job, you can take comfort in knowing it's only temporary. You'll work there for a few months and then peace out once your time runs up.

(Riverdale via The CW)

 

Ready to start applying to some part-time jobs? Peep THESE application pointers.