Temporary Job Relieves Credit Crunch

If you've got administrative-office experience, temp agencies and national staffing services such as Manpower(MAN) are filling positions to cover for employees taking vacation in December. FedEx(FDX) and UPS(UPS) are also hiring temporary workers, since December is their busiest delivery season. Positions can range from package handlers at service centers to driver assistants, who help make deliveries in high-density areas.

Before you rush off to fill out your application, keep a few considerations in mind:

1. Understand the time commitment: Many stores want workers who are available overnight or during the early-morning hours to restock inventory. Can you handle a night shift? It's also very likely you'll be expected to work the Friday after Thanksgiving, as well as Christmas Eve. Will you be resentful if you're working long hours while the rest of your family is on vacation? Does your spouse understand that you won't be around to help entertain all those visiting relatives?

2. Get the most from your employee discount: Maximize your earnings by working at a store where you can take full advantage of the employee discount. Apply first at retailers where you can do the majority of your holiday shopping, and therefore save the most money. Be aware that merchandise discounts can vary considerable: Toys "R" Us gives seasonal workers 10% off. Macy's(M) offers 20% discounts, and craft-store chain Michael's gives temporary workers 25% off.

3. Make yourself available for future work: For most workers, a seasonal job is simply a chance to earn some money relatively quickly. But it might also lead to longer-term opportunities. If you find you like the atmosphere and the managers, it doesn't hurt to sell yourself as an ad-hoc substitute going forward. Offer to be available on an occasional basis to cover for absent employees, and you could earn some extra cash throughout the winter.

But here's hoping you won't have to.

-- Reported by Elizabeth Blackwell in Chicago.

>To order reprints of this article, click here: Reprints