The job market is tough right now.
Jobless claims are historically low and thousands of jobs are being added monthly, but anecdotally, many job seekers are having a hard time landing interviews and securing job offers. Why? Experts point to a slew of reasons—there are lingering effects from past layoffs, increased competition from AI-enhanced resumes, and a shift from an employee-driven market to one where employers are more selective, all exacerbated by the post-pandemic slowdown in hiring.
Given the challenging job market, many people are turning to bridge jobs, short-term positions that offer a practical solution to filling the gap between two more permanent roles or career phases. Whether you’re hoping to develop skills to change industries or leaving a toxic job and need a breather from the corporate grind, bridge jobs can offer employees a lower pressure, lower stress way to earn income while figuring out the next step.
Read more: How to Confidently Use AI During Your Job Search
How can bridge jobs help your career path?
We all experience transitions in our careers at some point. Bridge jobs are temporary, yet often strategic, positions that help you move from one phase of your career to another.
Here are a few reasons why you might seek out a bridge job:
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You’re transitioning careers: Bridge jobs offer a steady income while you explore new career paths or even prepare for retirement. If you're shifting industries from education to human resources, for example, a bridge job as a training coordinator could provide income while you learn HR practices and develop relevant skills in employee development.
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You want to develop new skills: Bridge jobs can offer hands-on experience in a new industry and opportunities to learn new skills for your preferred career path. You could take a job as a nanny while you look for jobs in project management so you can build and flex your time management, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
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You’re reentering the workforce: After an employment gap, a bridge job can help ease you back into the workforce and rebuild your professional confidence. Part-time positions and contract work can help you ease back into a full-time work schedule.
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You’re hoping to build up your network: Taking a bridge job can help you expand your professional network, opening doors to future career opportunities and connections. Increasing your network is especially valuable since research estimates 70 percent of jobs aren’t published publicly on jobs sites, and up to 80 percent of jobs are filled through personal connections.
In a TikTok, career growth content creator Hanna Goefft explains that in order to maximize their potential, bridge jobs shouldn’t be mentally or physically draining, should pay enough to cover your basic expenses, should have flexible working hours, and should be a job you can easily leave when you’re ready for the next step in your career. She emphasizes that bridge jobs can look vastly different for different people, all depending on their situation. For example, for someone who wants to take some time to rest and recover after a toxic corporate job, Goefft says their ideal bridge job might be teaching kids to surf while they apply to new jobs. While for someone who got laid off from a marketing role and wants to make money and upskill before job searching, they might take a part-time job in customer service to hone transferable skills and build their network.
Keep in mind, though, systemic factors like access to education, racial and gender disparities, and socioeconomic background can influence the urgency of bridge jobs for some people. Individuals with financial stability, strong professional networks, or access to more resources might have the luxury of taking more time to find a permanent role that aligns with their career goals. On the other hand, for people with less economic security, the need for immediate income, health benefits, or continuous employment can make bridge jobs a necessity rather than a choice.
Some common bridge jobs might include:
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Retail or customer service jobs: These roles offer flexible hours and can be a good way to earn income while exploring new career options, and they can help you improve soft skills such as communication and problem-solving.
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Freelancing or consulting: People often take on freelance or consulting work in their field of expertise as a way to stay active in the industry while having the flexibility to pursue other interests or opportunities.
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Teaching or tutoring: If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can find opportunities in teaching or tutoring which can offer more flexible schedules and the chance to work remotely or travel.
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Gig economy jobs: Roles such as rideshare driving or food delivery can offer flexible work hours and a source of income while job searching.
Read more: 10 Actions to Take After an Unexpected Layoff
The future of work could make bridge jobs and gig work more popular
Experts are predicting that in 10 years, the 9-to-5 job will be obsolete. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, proving that many jobs can be performed effectively outside the traditional office setting. Employees are prioritizing better work-life balance and flexibility in their schedules, and the rise of remote work has helped reduce burnout for many.
AI is beginning to automate routine tasks and increase efficiency, allowing employees to focus on more complex, creative, or strategic work. This kind of automation reduces the need for strict work schedules and daily office commutes, enabling and supporting more flexible work arrangements that prioritize output-oriented work rather than time-based work.
And with younger generations entering the workforce who prioritize flexibility, autonomy, and meaningful work over traditional job structures, this cultural shift is pushing employers to offer more adaptable work arrangements to attract and retain talent.
What does all of this mean in terms of the future of our work? The way we work will most likely continue to evolve to prioritize flexibility, creativity, and a better balance between personal and professional life. As traditional 9-to-5 jobs fade, we'll likely see a rise in bridge jobs and gig work, enabling more people to navigate career transitions, pursue passion projects, and maintain financial stability on their own terms.
5 steps for finding a bridge job
Finding the right bridge job can set you up for long-term success. Here are five steps to help you identify and secure a bridge job that aligns with your goals and needs.
1. Identify your unique goals
Clearly identify what you want to achieve with your bridge job. Are you looking to gain specific skills in a new industry, earn steady income while you explore career options, or find a role with flexible hours that allows for better work-life balance? For example, if you’re transitioning into tech, you might seek a part-time role that offers hands-on experience with software tools. Or if income is your priority, a full-time temporary position might be more suitable. Defining these goals will help you focus your search on opportunities that truly align with your needs.
2. Leverage your network
Reach out to friends, family, and professional contacts to learn about potential opportunities. For example, if you're eyeing a role in project management, you can ask former colleagues if they know of any short-term roles. Networking not only increases your chances of getting job referrals but also provides valuable insights into industries you might want to explore.
Read more: How to Genuinely Reconnect with Your Network: 10 Email Templates
3. Explore flexible work platforms
Take advantage of gig economy platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or TaskRabbit to find flexible work that aligns with your skills and availability. If you have experience in graphic design, for instance, Upwork can connect you with short-term design projects that allow you to earn income while building your portfolio.
4. Consider part-time roles
Consider exploring part-time, temporary, or seasonal positions in industries that align with your interests. For example, hospitality jobs, like a front desk position at a hotel, can provide valuable experience while fitting into a busy schedule, or similarly, administrative roles in a company you’re interested in could serve as a strategic bridge job, giving you insight into the industry while allowing for work-life balance.
5. Upskill and reskill
Take advantage of online courses and workshops to learn new skills or enhance your existing ones. For example, if you’re aiming to transition into digital marketing, consider taking courses in SEO or social media management to enhance your expertise. Taking advantage of targeted programs on platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning can help make you more competitive in the job market.
Finally, remember to give yourself grace when you’re figuring out your next career move. There will most likely be ups and downs in your trajectory, and transitioning from a senior executive to a barista does not make you a failure, it makes you a unique candidate with a varied skill set.
Read more: What’s Better in Today’s Workforce: a Jack of All Trades or an Expert?
