I'm taking the plunge - Getting a part time holiday job

luvmykids wrote: We're in between closing our old company and starting a new one and I think the extra money would come in handy this Christmas.

Does anyone know if any certain retailers are known for being more flexible than others? I'm really hoping to keep it to M-F evenings, I'd rather not have to work weekends. I'm going to start with a new shopping center that has higher end stores, I'm hoping they wouldn't be as crazy and chaotic as places like Target or something but if a store is known for being super flexible I'd rather start there.

Wish me luck, I haven't worked for anyone other than DH in a very long time and I'm excited but a little nervous And wish him luck too, because he will be the one watching the kids

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: I don't know what stores would be more flexible. I have only worked retail a few years of my life and it always required lots of weekend hours. I did work for DH's father's health foodstore one holiday season and they were flexible. I worked in their gift department, so there's an idea. I restocked shelves, organized the backroom and made gift baskets.

GL and GL to DH too!

kimberley replied: good luck crazy woman lol. seriously i hope u find something good.
when i worked retail, nights/weekends at christmas was non-negotiable but maybe a smaller type store would be more flexible.

Calimama replied: Good luck!!

momofone replied: I think you will find something easily. Good Luck!

A&A'smommy replied: awesome, good luck!!!!

Insanemomof3 replied: Good luck!!! I am trying to find work right now (had a job, but that is a LONG story) But I am having a tough time finding one. Hope it is easier for you!!!

Boo&BugsMom replied: Check out any place that has gift wrapping. Our local mall has a gift wrapping department that hires seasonally for the Christmas season and they are super flexible. It's usually moms who just want some extra cash that work there. Or, you could always take pictures for Santa!

MoonMama replied: Good luck to you and your DH.

CantWait replied: Good Luck. That gives me the idea to look for something PT for Christmas money.

Kirstenmumof3 replied: Good for you! And I wish you all the luck in the world!

lisar replied: JC pennys, sears stores like that in a mall are more flexible with the hours. Try them and good luck

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: Monica, I just thought of something else. I used be a marketing manager for a shopping center. My hours were the regular, 40 hours, weekdays only, unless we had an event. The management office is typically where they sell mall gift certificates or sometimes offer mall gift wrapping. Some malls do other ammenities like renting strollers, etc. Some even sell stamps and maps. Maybe check with mall management offices and see if you could work there. I worked late because I was salary based, but the rest of the office closed at 5pm, WEEKDAYS only. You could also ask if they need help with any of their holiday events, decorating, etc. I hope I described that okay....Maybe this would give you the hours you want. I keep wanting to head to our local mall and do the same, but I just can't commit right now.

ETA: Oh gosh, I just realized you may have wanted NIGHTLY hours only. I guess what I wrote above wouldn't work then, sorry. Stupid me. Anyhow, check for events though...I always needed a ton of extra help for events in the mall, especially around the holidays.

moped replied: COme here - you could pick your hours here - companies are doing anything and everything to get employees.

Offering huge signing bonuses, tropical vacations etc.....it is silly!

Oh and about $15-$20/hour to start at McDonalds or a mall store.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Oh wow, GL Mon!!

Maybe try a small mom and pop boutique that needs holiday help. I bet they would be flexible. I hope you find the perfect job!

luvmykids replied:
OMG, McDonalds here is maybe $6 an hour

moped replied: My dream jobs in a mall would be:

Bath & Body Works, but man I bet it would be busy

Shoe store of some kind

the customer service desk

Walmart cashier - ya know when you are younger and have dreams......

oh and I alawys wanted to work in a liquor store

luvmykids replied: Well so far today I applied at Victorias Secret, Chicos and Pottery Barn online. Tomorrow I'll go to the actual stores, plus Pier 1, Bath & Body Works, and I'm also going to apply at customer service...they do a lot of what Rae mentioned, renting strollers, giving directions, gift wrapping, etc. Might also try the gift wrap depts at Dillards and Macy's. Oh, and the Buckle, I would really love to work there for the discount (Lucky jeans ) but I'm probably too old I have a friend that works for Clinique who told me the cosmetic departments hire a ton of seasonal help too. Hopefully I'll have a few to choose from so I can pick whoever is willing to be the most flexible. I would work some weekends if I have to but ideally would like to have kind of a set schedule. I know thats not always the way it goes, I used to be a mgr at Express but we were always SUPER flexible with the teenagers who worked there.

I would kind of like to avoid the places that seem like the biggest zoos...Penneys, Sears, Claires, etc.

Do you think, for the kind of job I'm after, that I have to take a resume? Or do you think for part time seasonal they don't really care?

eta: I also applied online at Verizon and T-Mobile, I love playing with phones and everyone always asks me to show them stuff on theirs....may as well try to get paid for it

momofone replied: Wherever you work enjoy your employee discount

moped replied: Yes - always have a resume and take one

MommyToAshley replied: Yes, take a resume and references.


Good luck! I hope you find the perfect job!