Summer job season is upon us, which means opportunities for seasonal employment are beginning to open up. Six months ago, we asked if readers were looking for a second job to make it through the holiday season.
Today, with a reported economic upswing on the horizon, we want to know if you’re looking for a second job this summer season.
Let us know by voting in our poll, and feel free to share your summer job search stories in our comments section!
Despite economic conditions and expert predictions that people may be wary of taking time off work this summer, our latest poll found that this year, workers are indeed planning time away from the job.
In fact, 77% of over 1,100 respondents said that they planned to take some time off from work this year.
When asked “What are your thoughts on taking a vacation this year?” 42% of respondents said they plan to take time off work to travel, 35% said they plan to take time off work because they need time away from the office, 18% said they are not planning to take time off work because they can’t afford it, and only 5% said they are not planning to take time off work because of concerns over job security.
Are you planning time off work this year? If so, what are your plans? Share your fun vacation and relaxation tips in the comments section.
And, if you know you need a break but are looking for some inspiration, check out our post on inexpensive vacation ideas.
It’s that time of year when people traditionally start making summer vacation plans. But the annual summer vacation has taken a hit as the recession has worn on. Last year, reports showed that consumers were already buckling down by planning to save money in lieu of taking a vacation.
But, experts say that as economic woes have continued to increase stress levels over the past year, this year, more people may feel the need to take a break from work and spend time with family or friends.
The debate over age and the job search may still be raging, but our results are in, and according to our readers, mature workers are having the hardest time in this job market.
In fact, of the 950 votes cast in our poll, 70% of readers selected mature workers as those having a harder time getting work, while 30% selected new grads.
That doesn’t necessarily mean great news for college students who are already hot on the job hunt ahead of May graduation. The National Association of Colleges and Employers have projected employers will hire 22% fewer graduates than in 2008, and many job searchers are finding that it’s tough to land a full-time gig without on-the-job experience.
However, help and support for college students entering this rough market is available. For example, social networking career site LinkedIn recently announced a company wide initiative devoted entirely to equipping May 2009 graduates to enter the workforce. You can also read how college students can start preparing for the job search now.
There’s also help for mature workers. One great resource is the AARP’s support and guidelines for mature workers who are looking for work. Also, check out our blog post on combating age discrimination in the job search.
The age versus experience debate may never fully go away. But reality is, no matter what your age or experience level, it’s important to be dedicated to a cohesive, professional job search process if you’re looking for work. So, polish your approach today, and focus your time, attention, and efforts on landing those interviews!
Want to know what others are saying about age and the employment process? Check out the comments thread our poll generated. Have a question you’d like to share? Leave it on our Q&A page.
Related Tips & Advice
Current economic conditions are affecting everyone and forcing some companies to make tough decisions regarding their employees. While a number of companies have had no choice but to lay off their staff or make drastic budget cuts in recent months, other companies have explored unique options to retain their employees while still trying to keep their businesses alive.
Some companies have begun instituting furloughs. According to Wikipedia, a furlough is a temporary leave of absence from employment, whether voluntary or involuntary. Other businesses have resorted to mandatory furloughs, requiring employees to take off a certain number of days per month or year – without pay – to avoid laying off their employees.
If your company chose to institute mandatory unpaid furlough days, would you be grateful that you still had a job and take the opportunity to do something for yourself during your time off? Or would you be frustrated that you were forced to take unpaid vacation days? Let us know by voting in our poll below.
Have you ever had a question you’re dying to ask about your job but you aren’t sure who – or how – to ask?
We’re starting a new feature here at the Express Job Blog where you can post questions for our experts to answer.
Your questions can be anonymous, or you can provide your name. To ask a question, just leave it in a comment on this post, or add them to our new “Your Questions” page, and our team will select a few questions each month – and interview experts to get the answers you’re looking for.
We’ll share answers to your questions as we receive them.
So, start asking away! Oh, and here are a few guidelines to keep in mind. We’re looking forward to hearing from you
Do you have a question about the world of work, the job search process, interviewing, career development – or something else work-related?
Post your questions here, and each month, we’ll select a few questions, interview our team of experts, and post our answers to the blog! Questions can be anonymous, or you can provide your name. Please keep our comments policy in mind when posting your questions.
Go ahead – ask away!
