Make extra cash with a holiday job

During the busy holiday season, adding a seasonal job can be energizing and stressful. Make sure you know what you're getting into and that the job will help you meet your goal, whether it's padding your bank account, having fun or working toward a full-time position.

"If you already have a full-time job, balance your schedule and set priorities for what you want to accomplish with a seasonal job," Kast says. "Ask in the interview about required hours (so) you can make sure the seasonal job doesn't interfere with your full-time job and there won't be any surprises once you start."

Keep in mind that temporary seasonal jobs can be "the bridge for workers to cross over into a full-time, long-term job," Kast says. "Once you get that seasonal job you want, demonstrate your value to the company while you have the opportunity. The employer may find a way to retain you full time."

And even if it doesn't last past the holidays, a seasonal job can present excellent networking opportunities. "Seasonal employees can chat and network and have some fun. In this recession, it's an opportunity to meet people from all kinds of career backgrounds," says Seidman.