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How to Find Seasonal Work for Couples

  • Writer: Sabrina
    Sabrina
  • 3 hours ago
  • 7 min read

It is possible to find a seasonal job that allows you to work with your significant other. Couples who are looking for seasonal jobs can apply directly to job posts specifically seeking couples or apply to individual jobs at the same location. You can find these jobs year-round by using the job search websites listed below. This post will provide insight on what you need to know about working seasonally with a significant other, finding seasonal housing for the two of you, and how to find seasonal jobs for couples.


seasonal workers on a date

Photo Credit: Timo Stern

Table of Contents



What to Know About Seasonal Jobs for Couples


What is a "seasonal couples job"


A seasonal couples job is temporary work that allows two people to jointly apply for a job that is intentionally seeking a pair of workers.


Couples can apply for individual jobs but work together


If you want to work a seasonal job with your partner but can't find a job specifically seeking couples, you can individually apply for a seasonal job at the same location. Some seasonal business do not advertise specifically for couples but allow you to "apply with a partner" during the application process or request a specific roommate upon receiving a job offer.


Why some businesses specifically hire couples


Some business love the idea of being able to hire two people in one shot. They can find two workers and put less time into the search and hiring process. They also know that you are more likely to stay in the job because you have a support system already in place. Some businesses also need couples due to the type of housing and accommodations they have to offer.


Why some businesses don’t hire couples


When hiring, companies have to take relationships into consideration to avoid favoritism and nepotism in the work place. Honestly, it's easier to avoid workplace drama and figure out housing/accommodation needs by avoiding hiring couples. Instead they focus on hiring individuals so they can offer contracts solely based on their needs and your strengths, and so they don't need put extra effort into accommodation requests or other workplace dynamics.


Married versus unmarried working couples


There are some companies that prefer to only hire couples who are married. (This does not mean if you are unmarried that you can't find a seasonal job together.) Sometimes it is for religious reasons or that the company can't provide appropriate housing. Also, when unmarried couples breakup, one (or both) of them have a higher chance of leaving the job before the end of the season as opposed to a married couple.


What to consider before working a seasonal job with your partner


It's not for me to say if the stress of seasonal work will help strengthen or put a stress on your relationship. However, there are a few things you may want to consider before deciding on a specific seasonal job, such as;

  • Will you each want to work in the same department?

  • What will the dynamic be if one of you has authority over the other?

  • How much space will you realistically need from each other?

  • Would it be better to have housing together or would you rather live in the same building but with different roommates?

  • What job will allow you to have the same days off?

These are just a few things to consider before choosing a seasonal job as a couple.


Specific Seasonal Jobs for Couples


There are several seasonal jobs that are more popular for couples than others.


Campground Work


Working as a campground host, or at a campground in general, is a very popular seasonal job for couples. It is especially popular for older couples who are retired and live or travel in their RV. If you don't have an RV there are opportunities to car camp while working at a campground and some locations have housing/cabins they assign to their workers. Campgrounds like hiring couples because it means they have two workers but only need to give up one parking/camping spot.



Ranch and Farm Work


Working ranches and farms usually hire couples as property managers, ranch hands, and for other labor intensive roles. With this job, is is common for a couple to be assigned tasks that apply to both their individual and joint strengths.


Domestic Work


Domestic working couple jobs focus on household tasks such as; doing the laundry, cooking, gardening, general housekeeping, etc... People hire live-in domestic couples to care for their various properties. These jobs are especially popular for couples who want to work abroad, but you can find work in wealthy locations across the USA. The best way to find these jobs is to search classified adds or use domestic staffing agencies.


National Park Concession Work


There are several hospitality companies that hire staff to work at national park concessions. A few of these companies allow candidates to apply with a partner during the application process. For example, the Xanterra Travel Collection and ExploreUS are two known companies that allow for this. At other park concession locations, you can apply as an individual and then request to live with your partner.



Ski Resort Work


You can find couples of all ages working at ski resorts. It's quite common for couples to either apply for individual jobs at a ski resort or mark that they are applying with someone during the application process. This means you have the ability to choose your individual job departments and preferences while still working at the same location and living together.


Where to Find Seasonal Work for Couples


Search for jobs specifically hiring couples


Working Couples is a website that is specifically made for couples to find jobs together. You can create a free account on this website to view job openings and reach out to employers. Or, you can buy a subscription to utilize other tools on the website.


There are a few websites that have pages dedicated to jobs seeking couples, such as;


Use seasonal work websites to search for jobs hiring couples


You can also find jobs that allow you to apply together, or apply individually and live together, on seasonal job search websites like CoolWorks or one of these 19 Websites to Find Seasonal Work. These websites post general seasonal work opportunities and therefor are not geared toward couples. Thus, you will need to do a lot of your own research to find jobs that are hiring couples or allow couples to apply together.


Search classified adds and Facebook posts


The facebook groups Ranch Hands for Hire and Workcamping Jobs allow people to post that they are looking for work as a couple and for employers to post job openings. It's not uncommon to see posts periodically pop up that are seeking to fill positions specifically for couples. The website Hampton Domestics or My Staff HQ lists jobs that often post about needing domestic couples.


Use traditional job search websites


You can use traditional job search websites and refine your search by using keywords such as couple and seasonal. The following websites tend to have seasonal couple job postings;


Finding Seasonal Housing for Working Couples


If you prefer to live together while working seasonally, there are a few ways to find housing as a couple.


Apply for employee housing together


Just because an employer does not specifically offer couples housing does not mean you can't still room together in the employee housing that they do offer. There are a lot of seasonal business that allow you to request your roommate or specify that you want to live together during the application process.


It's important to know that couples housing might be limited depending on the location you work. For example, Xanterra's Yellowstone location offers accommodations with double rooms, but since Yellowstone is a very popular work destination, housing is first come first serve. So, be sure to do your research to ensure there is appropriate housing available at the location you are applying to work.


Utilize an RV or van


Obviously this option is not for everyone, but if you have an RV or can rent an RV for the season, then you will have more seasonal work opportunities available to you as a couple. Not only are there seasonal jobs specifically open to couples with RVs, but having an RV or van could allow you to park at your employers designated location (if this is an option) or at a nearby campground for the season.


If renting an RV sounds like something you would be interested in then I suggest comparing your other housing options and their prices to see what option makes more sense for your lifestyle and budget.


Live off property


For both individual workers and couples, off-property seasonal housing can be hard to find and a bit expensive depending on the location you are working in. You can search facebook groups for open listings or check bulletin boards in town. The best tip when it comes to finding housing off property is to search as early as possible because options fill up fast, especially when you are looking for a place to stay with your partner. There are many seasonal jobs that require their workers to live on property, so make sure you check if there are any housing requirements in your contract.



Conclusion


Finding seasonal jobs for couples can be a bit harder than if you were applying as an individual, but it is not impossible. It just depends on if you want a job where you work together or if you are okay working separately but at the same location. There are various types of jobs you can do and several websites you can use to search for seasonal jobs hiring couples. If you have worked a seasonal job with your partner, please feel free to share your job and how you found it in the comments below.


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