4 Jobs To Apply For When You’re In Between Jobs

Navigating the uncertain terrain of being in between jobs can be daunting, but it also presents a unique opportunity to explore diverse roles to bridge the gap. You can enrich your skill set and broaden your professional horizon with this experience.

Data from Deloitte shows that 46% of GenZ and 37% of millennials surveyed have jobs aside. Many say their main motivation for getting a side job is to make ends meet, while others say it is to gain skills and build relationships.

Numerous job options cater to different skills and interests to keep you productive or even discover a new passion. So, here are 4 jobs you can opt for while waiting for the next big job opportunity:

Food And Beverage Industry

Securing a job in the food and beverage industry can be relatively accessible, especially for entry-level positions like servers, baristas, and restaurant greeters. There is usually a high turnover rate and constant demand for staff, increasing the chances of finding employment quickly.

In the U.S., the average hourly rate for a food and beverage attendant is $12.68 in 2024, according to Payscale, but can vary depending on location, specific establishment, and the time of year.

In addition to the pay, you can also develop customer service and communication skills based on regular interactions, time management from ensuring orders are processed and delivered promptly, and adaptability to handle unexpected issues effectively.

Freelance Gigs

If you’re looking for jobs that are more flexible and where you can also pursue passions, freelance jobs may be up your alley. This includes writing and editing, graphic design, marketing, consulting, virtual assistance, and tutoring and teaching.

Freelancing allows you to set your own schedule and explore a variety of projects and industries. It can also expand your professional network, which opens doors to new opportunities in the long run. And since you have the autonomy to select which projects and clients you want to work with, the skills you can learn from different jobs will also vary.

Rates for freelance gigs vary depending on qualification, experience, and specific role in the project. Experienced specialists can demand higher rates than beginners as they can deliver greater value to the client.

Seasonal Roles

Aside from traditional jobs, you can also explore fun and seasonal jobs that may be available, depending on the time of the year. These could be jobs you’ve wanted to do but have never done. During summertime, there are usually openings for lifeguards, camp counselors, tour guides, and festival workers. In winter, more jobs become available for retail or sales associates, holiday decorators, or Santa’s helpers in malls.

These kinds of jobs are perfect if you’re only looking for temporary employment. They also involve activities that you enjoy or are passionate about, and the environments are often lively and dynamic, making them feel less like a chore and more rewarding.

Similar to freelancing jobs, the pay for fun and seasonal jobs also varies based on the work and the skill set required of the employee. According to Upwork, seasonal jobs in the retail industry can pay close to minimum wage, while other skilled jobs pay a little more.

Bridge Jobs

Short-term jobs are not only excellent opportunities for enhancing your resume but also for gaining new skills, especially soft skills. These kinds of skills can help propel your professional growth in different directions and steer you toward better job offers. These roles are considered “bridge jobs” because they can help you gain the skills to get to where you want to go next.

Better communication and organizational skills can improve your leadership and help you land management roles. Content creation and branding can give you skills for sales and marketing jobs, while IT-related jobs can earn you technical skills like coding and troubleshooting.

Overall, short-term jobs can provide you with rich learning experiences to build foundational skills that you can use across different careers and industries you intend to specialize in.

Whether you’re in between jobs or just waiting to be onboarded in your new job, exploring different opportunities can be both practical and enriching. Each role can offer unique benefits for financial stability, expanding your skill set, and uncovering new passions. These jobs can help bridge the gap between long-term roles and enhance your professional profile, making you a more attractive and versatile candidate for future employers. So, embrace this transitional phase as a chance to grow, learn, and discover new pathways that could lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.