When I was at college I had a seasonal job working for the post office during the holidays. Christmas and Hanukah meant that there was lots of extra work needing to be done. Even in a recession it’s still the season to be merry and that means extra work for someone whether you’re a driver or a party-planner!
So how does this help your job transition?

Firstly, a temporary job can lead to a permanent job. Working in a retail store or for a hotel you will be a prime candidate for a new job if one comes up.
Secondly, you may take a job to see how you like it. Working for FedEx where you have a lot of customer contact, a fast pace with regular hours and benefits may be a whole lot better than other jobs you have had in the past, but you might not know for sure until you try it out.

Thirdly, you never know whom you are going to meet. Juan (not his real name) works for FedEx and delivers on the Beverly Hills run. He gets to meet a lot of people in the movie business, as well as other industries. He’s friendly and good at his job so people trust him. Now if he also happened to be an inspiring screenwriter who knows what could happen. It could be another story like Antwone Fisher who worked as a security guard and through the people he met at his job got his script made into a movie.

And thirdly, who says that a little extra cash won’t help your career change. A coaching client of mine, got a part-time temporary job at The Great Outdoors, and made some money and was eligible to get staff discount. Many stores offer staff discount, with certain restrictions, including Crate and Barrel, Macy’s and Ross.

Author's Bio: 

David Couper is a career coach and writer who for the last twenty years has worked in Europe, Asia, and the USA with individuals. 100% of his clients have found either a new job or career which is fulfilling for both their heart and mind.

“After meeting with you, I can now say today, no matter what I do for work or how I earn money to live. I proudly can say that I am an Artist and an Educator. That is what I believe in and what makes my heart sing. I am feeling more grounded in who I truly am. So I am on this journey.”
Artist and Educator, Los Angeles, CA

He has successfully coached men and women wanting to change career or develop new opportunities at all levels - including CEOs of major companies wanting a creative challenge, frustrated souls longing to make their dream come true and front-line employees laid off and desperate to get a job.

"David Couper is an honest and sincere coach and an extra special team player. He's like the diamond player in reserve. When you call on him you can be sure that he is going to play full-out for your success and fully believe in you.”
Interactive Hypnotherapist and Fellow of Royal Society, London, UK

David has a degree in Communication, a postgraduate qualification in education, is certified in a number of training technologies, and has a Masters in Spiritual Psychology. He is a member of the American Society of Training and Development, Society of Human Resources Professional, Writers Guild and the British Academy of Film and Television.

“I love your inspiration. Thank you so much. I plan on sharing it with our sons.” -- Award-winning realtor, Los Angeles, CA

David has published seven books. His works on interpersonal skills, counseling in the workplace, and management issues (published by Connaught, Gower, HRD Press, Longman, Macmillan/Pearson Publishing, Oxford University Press) have been translated into Swedish, Polish, and Danish, and published in the UK and the USA.

“Love the work you are doing with X. You really nailed him (in the resume). Very nice work, David.”
Executive, Disney, Burbank, CA

He has dual US/UK citizenship and speaks French and Japanese.

“David offered both advice and encouragement, helping me to understand and adjust to the new context. I have no doubt that his support was vital to my success on that occasion. Without it, would have lacked the confidence required to carry on with what was a very daunting environment.” -- Training Manager and Employee of the Year, Consulting Company, Paris, France

Additional Resources covering Career Change can be found at:

Website Directory for Career Change
Articles on Career Change
Products for Career Change
Discussion Board
David Couper, the Official Guide To Career Change