WorkSanta's Elves Are Struggling This SeasonWhat's going on: Saint Nick may slide down the chimney, but he doesn’t cover the credit card bill that follows. Hundreds of thousands of Americans usually get a seasonal job to help, but that plan may not hold in 2025. The New York Times reports that many major companies are scaling back their plans to hire seasonal workers. Kroger and UPS are just a few of the big names seemingly keeping their holiday headcount low. As if getting a full-time job isn’t hard enough, the competition for a temporary role is just as stiff. (The latest jobs report says it all.) An Indeed analysis found that searches for seasonal jobs are up 27%, while postings have risen only 2.7% from last year. Everyone is getting coal. What it means: Side gigs — even short-term ones — usually help bridge the gap on rising expenses, and for some workers, they can even lead to a permanent role. When that option dries up, the squeeze feels even tighter. Still, don’t let this news deter you if you’re looking for a side hustle. Indeed suggests widening your search: reach out to your network, browse sites built for seasonal gigs, and tap a career center for extra lift. If stability sounds better than a one-off gig, a portfolio career could make sense. And hey, asking for a raise or bonus is still free. Worst case, your boss says no. Here’s hoping our parents put cash in our stockings instead of lip balm. Related: How To Build a Holiday Budget You Can Use Every Year (NerdWallet) | 
