TEXAS — Economists say it’s generally been a challenge for millions of workers to find jobs since COVID, and with the holidays on the horizon, they say finding seasonal work may also be an uphill battle.
Daniel Wokocha, 27, makes food deliveries for Uber Eats. He earned a marketing degree from the University of North Texas last year, but other than delivery gigs and side hustles, he says he’s among the countless college graduates having trouble finding work.
“It’s frustrating when you don’t get a call back or hear anything from them, you know,” Wokocha said. “At this point, I’m just thankful to God that He provided.”
Experts say that in addition to current labor market challenges and job losses resulting from AI innovations, seasonal jobs are on the decline too, especially in retail.
“It’s been falling for about 10 years,” said Duane Deason, a business strategist. “Retailers are looking and realizing that they’re just not going to have the sales that they’ve had before. Everyone is going onto the Internet to buy things. This year, I think it’s even going to lower a lot, because of AI.”
He says seasonal jobs will still be available, just not as many.
“Everyone from Target to Walmart, they will definitely add seasonal workers, and they’ve even announced they will, but they have not even announced the amounts and numbers,” Deason said, adding this includes Macy’s and other large retailers. “You just have to keep shopping around, and you will find opportunities,” he added.
As for the future outlook, he says: “It’s going to continue to struggle over time, and it really depends on what we, as consumers, do. If we consumers start going back to the retail stores and buying our goods for the holidays there, then I think you’re going to see a pickup in holiday hiring.”
However, he says, if consumers continue shopping online, holiday hiring will continue to decline.
“If consumers go to one of the big box retailers, I think they might want to show a little patience there, because they might not have the personnel to help you as much as they have in other years,” said Deason.
Deason also recommends seasonal jobseekers look for delivery openings at companies like FedEx and UPS.
Along with his delivery gigs, Wokocha was glad to report he just landed a substitute teaching job. His faith inspires him to encourage others.
“Don’t give up, you know. God always has a plan. The sun is going to shine. It’s not going to always be dark. You will be good,” he said.