BizCrunch

Thomas

Tips for bridging gaps in employment

When you need income, a job with an off-season is a scary proposition, yet in many careers this is simply a reality. Teachers have summer break, landscapers are without work in the cold winter months and those who work on golf courses or in park districts have very slow, even non-existent work in the winter. Whether you are employed in a seasonal industry or are starting your job hunt in the off-season, the following tips will help you keep earning income during gaps in employment.

Simple solutions

Yes, it is the off-season, but there are seasonal jobs you can do during this time of year as well. For example, the landscaper who lives in a snowy climate may work in snow removal during the winter. The teacher may get a job as a summer camp counselor or tutor in the summer.

For workers whose regular employment ends when warm weather begins, you may be able to make ends meet by taking a job as a lifeguard, sports coach or landscaper. Keep in mind that your benefits may not remain in place during the non-working season for your primary job, so you may need short term medical insurance during the three or four months when your regular job is not offering work.

Consider jobs with a fast turnaround

Some industries expect a fast turnaround with their workers. For example, restaurants usually do not expect their wait staff to stick around for years on end. Managers need someone to fill a role for as long as possible, but completely understand that that time frame may not be a long one. Get a job waiting tables so you can keep earning money during gaps in employment. An added bonus of this type of work is that you may have your days free to look for a long-term, full-time job.

Retail jobs can also be a great way to bridge gaps in employment, especially around the holidays.

Get creative

Sometimes the key to finding off-season work is creativity. Don’t limit yourself to traditional jobs with banker’s hours. There are numerous ways out there to make money if you are willing to be creative. You can be the guy who stands on the corner holding the “Cash4Gold” sign or the “Inventory Blowout” sign for a store that is closing. Check with temp agencies for these types of opportunities, or walk into a store that you know will hire such workers and ask when you can begin working there.

Tap your own personal network as you look for a job. Family and friends often know of temporary openings through their own companies, and they can help you get these positions.

Finally, consider using a skill you have to make money on the side. Can you write? Then look for freelance writing jobs. Are you a pro with the computer? Then jump into web design or computer repair work. Cleaning houses is yet another job that you can do whenever you need work, without much advanced training or overhead. Getting in the minds of employers can help you understand exactly what they are looking for and make employment gaps even shorter.

The opportunities for work in the off-season are there, you just need to know where to look. As you prepare for your upcoming work season or start your job search, take the time to land a seasonal position, so you can continue to have income in the meantime.

Originally posted on February 18, 2013 @ 3:15 pm

4 Ways to Begin Preparing for Retirement

The United States Department of Labor reports that the average American spends 20 years in retirement. Yet, few Americans are financially or logistically prepared for retirement.

Even if retirement seems far off, it’s never too early to begin planning for your post-career life. Naturally, planning for the long term takes time, and each person’s retirement needs vary. However, the following tips apply to anyone who doesn’t want to work for the rest of their lives.

1. Get your finances in order

Although the average American may be retired for 20 years, with advances in modern medicine, you may live much longer than you ever anticipated – and you don’t want to deplete your savings during this time. The earlier you begin saving money in an interest-accruing account, the better off you’ll be when you retire. One of the most efficient ways to do this is by signing up for your employer’s 401(k) plan. The benefits of doing so are much more immediate than you might think, since you’ll receive tax deductions from that point forward and tax-deferred growth on all of your savings. In some cases, your employer might even match your contribution each pay period. Starting an Individual Retirement Account could also help defer taxes on your savings, while maximizing profit as much as possible.

Many people incorrectly assume that Social Security will provide adequate income during retirement, but at the moment, the future of Social Security benefits remains uncertain.

2. Protect yourself

Medicare won’t kick in immediately once you retire, so you might need to invest in short term medical insurance during the interim. Find out exactly when your employer’s plan will cut off and when your Medicare plan will kick in, so you can determine the best short term insurance coverage option during this time.

3. Create a general itinerary

Of course, no one has the time or the energy to create a step-by-step itinerary of everything they’ll do after retiring. Still, you should have a general idea of what you want to accomplish during your time off. Creating a general itinerary would give you the opportunity to outline everything you have on your bucket list, from writing a novel to learning a new language to traveling the world. Although you’re supposed to relax during your retirement, maintaining some type of schedule and working toward goals will ensure you don’t become bored and will make post-retirement depression less likely.

4. Determine the best housing option

Chances are, the home you raised your family in isn’t the best-suited home for your retirement. You won’t be able to call upon the kids to help with yard work and housework, and you probably don’t want to worry about problems like a leaky roof or busted pipe.  An apartment or condo would be a good choice for limiting your responsibilities, while still providing a comfortable living space. Moving to a smaller, single-story home could also be an effective way to save money on retirement costs with lower rent, utilities and general maintenance costs.

Planning for retirement isn’t easy. In fact, the complexity of planning is what inspires most people to start almost the moment they graduate from college. Although the prospect might seem a little stressful and intimidating, it’s all an investment in ultimately not having to work in the future. If you think of it that way, the work you put in now will end up paying off once retirement finally does roll around.

Originally posted on February 11, 2013 @ 1:51 am