Temporary Work - What You Need to Know About Seasonal Work
As a surf instructor, animator, or waiter/waitress: Seasonal work can be fun and also good for your wallet. Here are a few things job seekers should know.
Would you like to work as a surf instructor? Or perhaps as a waiter/waitress in a cool beach bar? The possibilities for seasonal jobs are vast. Especially in the summer, there's a high demand for workers along the North or East Sea, says Till Bender, a legal expert at the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB). But trade fairs, festivals, and major sporting events can also offer opportunities for short-term employment.
If you're interested in such a job, you should be aware of some peculiarities. We'll answer the most important questions.
What about pay and insurance obligations?
Regardless of the sector you work in as a seasonal employee, you're entitled to the minimum wage. As of 2024, your gross hourly wage should not be less than 12.41 euros.
If the employment is limited to a maximum of three months or 70 working days in a calendar year and the wage is above the mini-job threshold of 538 euros per month, it might be a case of short-term employment. This has the advantage that no social security contributions (health, nursing care, pension, and unemployment insurance) need to be deducted from your salary. However, this type of employment must not be your main activity. In other words, it should not be your primary source of income, which you may need to prove if necessary. This is not a problem for students.
If the seasonal work exceeds these time limits, employees must be registered with the employer's social security. In this case, social security contributions must be paid.
Who is a seasonal job suitable for?
Anyone who wants to try something completely different and explore new professional fields or find a balance. For example, an office worker who wants to try their hand at waiting tables or grape harvesting. Also, those who want to get a taste of the job or gain practical experience after completing their training or studies can use a seasonal job to get to know employers and the industry better. And perhaps even impress their future boss.
In principle, seasonal jobs are also an option for those who are unemployed and looking for work. However, Irmgard Pirkl from the Federal Employment Agency's central office in Nuremberg advises caution in this regard. "To avoid any financial disadvantages, job seekers should definitely contact their caseworker at the employment agency beforehand," she recommends.
However, those interested in a seasonal job should be aware that it often involves physically demanding work under high time pressure, Pirkl warns. While it may sound appealing to work where others are on vacation, it's still work.
How much can I earn with a seasonal job?
There's no earnings limit. "You should calculate for yourself whether it's worth it from a tax perspective," Pirkl advises. The earning opportunities are particularly good in times of skills shortages, the expert says. Not to mention tips, which can be tax-free depending on the industry.
What rights do I have as a seasonal worker?
You can ask your current employer for unpaid leave for a seasonal job. However, there's no legal entitlement to this. A downside of this option is that you're usually not insured socially during this time. Moreover, seasonal work is allowed during illness. "However, it should not endanger recovery," explains DGB expert Bender.
Otherwise, employers must grant seasonal workers the same rights as all other employees. "Practice shows that permanent employees are usually better off," says Irmgard Pirkl. Workers should therefore keep an eye on their rights, according to Till Bender.
Seasonal workers also have a basic right to vacation, Bender says. If the employer agrees, employees can also have this claim paid out. There is no protection against dismissal, nor a right to unemployment benefits, as the seasonal employment relationship does not last long enough.
After completing their studies, some individuals may consider a seasonal job to gain practical experience in a new field. This can be beneficial for both trying something different and potentially impressing future employers.
Seasonal jobs often involve physical labor under tight deadlines, so it's essential to be aware of the demanding nature of this work, even if it takes place during vacation periods.
