Evan Vitale

Evan Vitale – Scrooge Bonuses This Year?

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By Evan Vitale

Let’s talk more about your holiday bonus or, perhaps, the lack of a holiday bonus.

Here are some scenarios that could happen this year and some steps you can take so you’re not left in the dark when it comes to receiving a holiday bonus.

First, if you’ve never received a holiday bonus at your new job, don’t plan on getting one this year. If it’s something your company has never offered to employees, don’t expect a surprise envelope.

Second, refer to your employee and benefits manual to find out if there are any provisions for a holiday bonus. In some cases, a bonus check may be based on tenure and performance. If you’re worked at your current job for less than a year, you may not be in line for a bonus due to employee policy. Talk to your human resources person – or the owner of the business – for more details.

If you’re still in the dark, the best course of action is to have a discussion with your HR person; department manager or the owner of the business. Just ask, but don’t show any emotion either way when you receive your answer.

Remember, a bonus is actually what its name implies – a bonus. It should never be expected and you should never feel (or act, say, e-mail, etc.) that you are entitled to a company bonus.

Don’t overspend during the holidays in anticipation of a holiday bonus. Note: a friend of mine and his fellow employees did this all the time because bonuses would be handed out the Friday before Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, the company was purchased in October and the holiday bonus structure ended (without notice). Instead of a check at Thanksgiving, employees were given a coupon for a free turkey from a local supermarket. Some employees cried on the spot and a few turned in their notice to end employment.

So, the moral of story is don’t spend money before you have it. Don’t plan on a holiday bonus until you have the check and don’t expect a holiday bonus. Keep working. Be happy with your job. Look at all the other positives and benefits you enjoy every day with your current job!

Evan Vitale – Finding A Seasonal Job

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By Evan Vitale

Many of us look forward to the holidays as it creates seasonal employment opportunities to earn some extra income for gifts, trips, paying off debt, etc. Now – as we head into the busy shopping season – is the time to start looking for a part-time holiday job as many businesses are hiring.

Note: A friend of mine easily picks up a holiday job every year and, in almost every instance, the business asks him to stay at the end of the year.

Here are some ideas on where and how to find seasonal employment:

  • Always keep in mind where you live in relation to where you are applying. Try to stay close to home or close to your other job. That way, you are minimizing travel time between jobs and your home.
  • Decide if you are looking for restaurant or retail work.
  • Consider applying at businesses where you normally shop or places that offer products and services you enjoy. Some businesses will offer employees a shopping discount, so that will mean extra shopping savings and help you stay within your budget.
  • Consider applying at a temp agency. Many businesses prefer to hire through a temp agency giving you a larger employment pool of job opportunities.
  • Be flexible. Chances are good that many retail stores are open Thanksgiving Day and may require you to work nights, evenings, weekends, etc. If you are restrictive in the days and times you are willing to work, you will become less attractive to a potential employer. Of course, if you have another part-time or full-time job, try to make yourself available during other hours of the day, weekend, etc.

Searching for seasonal employment is almost like a full-time job. Dress the part, hit the pavement and be prepared to complete numerous employment applications. Make sure you take a complete list of references, addresses, phone numbers, dates of previous employment, detailed list of skills, etc. This will save you time when completing applications (and there won’t be a need to fumble around on your mobile phone for information).

Start applying for a job today. Chances are good you can find something soon and earn 10-12 weeks of income between now and the end of the year!