How seasonal jobs saved Christmas

Nichole Wright
Age: 33
Profession: Financial adviser/small business owner
Holiday job: Sales associate at Calypso
Location: Austin, Texas
Supplemental pay: $10 an hour

"I was a financial adviser at Smith Barney but the writing was on the wall. I left in January and started an event planning and fund raising firm. I decided to take the pay cut and risk, but as a result I need some steady income. It is very difficult to have a small business right now. I'm not making enough money so I decided to take a job in retail.

I just got word that I was offered a seasonal job yesterday! At Calypso, a very nice store that got started in St. Barth's and is now popular in New York and the Hamptons. I'll be working at a location in Austin, Texas, at The Domain, an upscale retail center. I am going to be working 20-25 hours per week and hope this turns into a longer part-time opportunity.

It keeps spirits up in general. I'm obviously overqualified for the position and the pay isn't great, but it's a stepping stone to other opportunities. I think it could help in my own business, the people who shop there could even be potential clients."
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