[Youth Report] Rather Than Worrying About Others, Let's Just Do Part-Time Jobs... Increase in Voluntary 'Honsol-jok'

6 out of 10 People "Plan Short-Term Part-Time Jobs During Seol Holiday"
Variety of Part-Time Job Types Increasing... 'Petsitter' Popular
Some Worry About New Year's Money Burden

Lee (25), a job seeker living in Mapo-gu, Seoul, decided to work a short-term part-time job (alba) paying 12,000 KRW per hour instead of going to his hometown Daejeon for the Lunar New Year holiday. Lee said, "I always feel sorry for asking my parents for money, so I decided to work as a server at a restaurant during the Lunar New Year holiday," adding, "Although others are resting, I like that I can earn a higher hourly wage than usual." He also added, "Since it's a short-term part-time job, the schedule is not a big burden, and it's a good way to earn some pocket money."

Despite the Lunar New Year being the biggest traditional holiday, many young people spend the holiday alone. In the past, it was common for the whole family to gather, bow to elders, eat rice cake soup, and exchange good wishes. However, recently, many young people have given up returning to their hometowns due to high inflation. In particular, some young people are struggling to earn living expenses by working short-term part-time jobs during the holiday period.

'Jeonjip Alba' and 'Housework Alba'... Short-term Part-time Jobs for Pocket Money During Lunar New Year Holiday

The number of young people giving up returning home for the Lunar New Year and looking for short-term part-time jobs is increasing. On the 6th, Alba Heaven surveyed 3,441 adult men and women about their 'Lunar New Year holiday plans,' and 62.3% of respondents said they planned to work short-term part-time jobs. This is an 8.3 percentage point increase compared to the same period last year (54.0%). By age group, those in their 30s showed the most active job-seeking intention at 64.6%.

The main reason for seeking part-time jobs during the holiday was 'to earn pocket money (45.7%, multiple responses allowed).' This was followed by having no special plans during the holiday (23.5%), needing additional income due to spending burdens caused by high inflation (21.1%), and saving for large expenses such as travel costs or tuition fees (20.0%). In other words, as more people feel the burden of high inflation, a trend is spreading where people prefer to work and earn some pocket money rather than visiting their hometowns during the holiday.

[Image source='Danggeun' app]

In particular, part-time jobs during the Lunar New Year holiday typically pay 20-30% more than the minimum wage since workers have to work while others rest. As more people seek short-term part-time jobs, the types of part-time jobs are also diversifying. During the holiday, common part-time jobs included stocking shelves, delivery, packaging, cart organization, assisting with discount events, and parking guidance. Especially, many employers hired sales and promotional part-time workers to boost sales of ceremonial liquor and gift sets.

Recently, however, new types of part-time jobs have appeared, such as 'pet sitters' who take care of dogs or cats for owners who leave their homes during the holiday, and 'housework alba' that help with holiday table preparations. Notably, a 'Jeonjip alba' that involves making jeon (Korean pancakes) all day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. right before the holiday attracted attention. The hourly wage was 13,000 KRW, and the post received over 3,000 views, drawing interest.

"How much should I give?"... Lunar New Year Money Gifts Become a Burden Due to High Inflation

The impact of high inflation has also affected the burden of giving sebaetdon (New Year's money gifts). With rising prices tightening living expenses, the burden grows when considering parents' allowances and sebaetdon for children and nephews/nieces.

Kim (34), an office worker, said, "I'm really worried about sebaetdon," adding, "Nowadays, giving 10,000 or 30,000 KRW feels awkward, so I give 50,000 KRW bills to upper-grade elementary school students, which is a big burden." He also said, "I wish the culture of giving and receiving sebaetdon didn't exist at all."

A survey conducted by KB Kookmin Card on the 6th with about 400 customer panel members called 'Easy Talkers' about Lunar New Year holiday plans and gift preparations found that 87% of respondents said they prepare sebaetdon (allowances). The average amount prepared was 520,000 KRW. Regarding appropriate amounts for sebaetdon on Lunar New Year, many respondents said 10,000 KRW for preschool children, 30,000 to 50,000 KRW for elementary students, 50,000 to 100,000 KRW for middle and high school students, and 100,000 KRW for adults were appropriate.

Many also said they do not plan to prepare sebaetdon at all due to economic burdens. According to a survey on Lunar New Year sebaetdon conducted by Lotte Members on their own research platform Lime from the 17th to 18th of last month targeting 2,000 men and women nationwide aged 20 and over, 49.7% responded that they do not plan to prepare sebaetdon. Among the reasons, 16.5% cited 'economic difficulties.'

Posts expressing concerns about sebaetdon continue to appear on online communities. One netizen wrote on the Ilsan mom cafe, "What do you think is the standard amount for sebaetdon? My nephew is 3 years old, and I don't know how much is appropriate. My husband says 10,000 KRW is enough, but I think I should give 20,000 to 30,000 KRW." Other netizens responded, "If you have one nephew, 50,000 KRW," "Until kindergarten, 30,000 KRW; elementary and middle school, 50,000 KRW; high school, 100,000 KRW seems better. Holiday allowances are scary," and "I don't want to give sebaetdon, but since it's a holiday, I guess I have to."

Another netizen lamented, "After deducting living expenses and loan payments from my salary, there's nothing left," adding, "I think it's better to visit only my parents after Lunar New Year. If I take care of sebaetdon for my nephews too, my life becomes too tight."