The Swiss Summer Slump – A Ten Step Plan to Make the Most of the Summer Downtime
The Swiss Summer Slump is around the corner. From mid-July to mid-August, Switzerland seems to fall asleep. Despite the recession and terminations of contracts in the banking and IT sector, I expect the “Swiss Summer Slump” very soon. Decision-makers aren’t around to take interviews, and your chances of finding a job over the summer holidays are usually lower than in busy times. So, if you haven’t signed a contract by now, I bet you won’t sign one within the next four weeks. If you prove me wrong, I invite you to a Margherita and a Margarita (M&M). The challenge is on.
With the start of international and Swiss school holidays, you notice fewer people on the trains, and motivation to work is generally lower than usual. This is when to take overtime compensation, go home at decent hours, and leave the country for a while. It’s also time to jump into a lake near you every evening after work. Let’s pull out the deck chair, parasol, and sunscreen and just relax with a Margherita and a Margarita (M&M).
Nooo, my friend. You won’t get out that easily.
1 – Learn About the Cost of Margherita and Margarita in Zurich
If you have lived in Zurich for a while, you probably know by now that the price of a Pizza Margherita (note the different spelling) is around 18 CHF. A Margarita drink costs approximately 18 CHF. (And if you are like me, we never stop at one Margarita when we have a good time). So, on a “normal” fun night with the girls, you could easily spend 90 CHF. (I must explain that because many people cannot relate to our price levels.). As long as you have a job, you probably do not mind spending this money on a good night out.
If you are currently unemployed, trying to launch your brand, or have just been given notice and are not profiting from the RAV (Swiss Unemployment Office) financial support, I would like to help you save money and bring in an income to your family again quickly. (You might remember our advent calendar for ideas on how to make money in December on Insta https://www.instagram.com/angie_weinberger/)
2 – Check the Job Market
Contract-to-hire positions are abundant during the summer season, and many job-seekers decide to take the summer off, which is a considerable advantage if you keep job hunting. There is another factor that is encouraging this year: Swiss businesses, despite all their efforts, can’t manage to hire all the needed workers. In the two decades before the COVID-19 shock, Switzerland demonstrated a commendable development history, with an average annual GDP growth rate of +2%. Switzerland’s unemployment rate is continuously low, and you might still have a hard time finding a job because you do not understand how this market works. It’s one of the most competitive job markets in the world, and you need to learn how to work there.
Check out my new guide on “How to land a Job as a Foreigner in Zurich” by signing up here:
If you are a hiring manager and you struggle to find the suitable candidates, we should talk. I have ideas for you, too.
Checklist 285: How You Can Help Others Find a Job in Zurich, Switzerland
Handout 286 Writing Inclusive Job Postings
3 – Find a Last-Minute Job
These exceptional circumstances might help you find a new job in the next few months. Due to the significant shifts in the labor market landscape since the Pandemic, many workers want to change careers. That, in turn, creates thousands of job openings. , mainly in the industry and service sectors. As a result, staff shortages have reached record levels.
“In the 1st quarter of 2024, the total employment (number of jobs) in Switzerland rose by 1.8% compared with the same quarter of the previous year (seasonally adjusted, +0.6% over the previous quarter). Calculated in full-time equivalents, this was an increase in jobs of 1.4%. Companies reported 12,300 (‒9.7%) fewer job vacancies than a year earlier. Despite a cautious assessment, the employment outlook indicator remains positive. These are the latest figures from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).”
Employment barometer in 1st quarter 2024 | Press release | Federal Statistical Office
If you are seeking a job, you may need to catch up on the game (instead of watching soccer). The most common reaction I see from clients is to stop all efforts over the summer. But, of course, doing this would be counterproductive; you can use this time for your job search and business development by following our M&M Plan for finding a job and launching your brand in Zurich.
4 – Follow the HireMeExpress Online Course and Work the Summer Schedule
Commit to a schedule by working with us via the HireMeExpress online course. It contains 12 PLUS three weeks of intense preparation to prepare you for the job market. We give you the videos, templates, weekly summary, and homework for the HireMeExpress program. You can start anytime. We offer this online course at an M&M Plan of 37 CHF during the Swiss Summer Slump and hope it will help you stay motivated and on track.
We also encourage you to plan your time to spend more time outside (you know you will need that extra vitamin D in a few months!). Starting this week, we recommend you work on a unique “M&M Summer Schedule” from 7 AM to 2 PM, as I do. Then, you can spend the rest of the day in the “Badi” of your choice, reading, listening to podcasts, and enjoying life!
To help you not cringe at the thought of paying 37 CHF for an online course, I have tried and tested this recipe for a perfect summer pizza without yeast: https://www.smarticular.net/pizzateig-ohne-hefe-rezept-selber-machen-vegan/amp/. Here is the recipe for the “Classic Margarita”: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/tequila-classic-margarita. Now you just saved 37 CHF that you can easily spend on finding a job that will give you safety, a place to hang out and constant learning opportunities.
5 – Buy a new Power Suit
So, now that you are saving money as you learn to make your pizzas and cocktails consider making a short-term investment. Women need to get better at financial management, and I am here to guide you because I have made mistakes that have cost me a lot of money.
However, one strategy always works for me: The #PowerSuit. You will need a new power suit for that interview or business meeting. So get yourself an excellent new suit, signature piece, or basics from Adam Brody in Zurich. Adam Brody is happy to consult you on your style as well. Let him know I’ve sent you there (“Angie”).
6 – Enjoy a Beauty Ritual or Wellness Massage
Another short-term investment in the M & M Plan is that you plan time to pamper yourself. Georgina Georgiu runs an English-speaking day spa in Zurich. The Pure Beauty Spa team is highly professional, and the products are excellent. You will get 20% off your first treatment when you mention “Angie” in your booking.
Alternatively, book a massage with Stephanie Suter at Din Momänt. Mention “Angie”. You won’t get a discount, but I will potentially win a new partner. 🙂
7 – Have Your Headshot Taken
Consider revisiting why a personal brand is essential. If you are looking for a photographer, we recommend Carmen Sirboiu. All our members and clients are eligible for a unique discount for a Premium LinkedIn and Personal Branding photo session with Carmen. Using the code ‘’Global People,’’ you get the session at the Special Price of 180 CHF (value 250 CHF).
https://carmen.photo/personal-branding-zurich/
8 – Build More Professional Relationships
Summer is an excellent time to build new relationships and catch up with current contacts. Most busy people might feel less pressure than usual. Encourage them to enjoy the nice weather and spend time outside. So why don’t you take them for ice cream in the sunshine after work? Why don’t you request an early morning walk by the lake while enjoying a cold coffee? A personalized request is vital here. Remember the strategies we teach in our workshops or read the book “Networking for Nerds” or “Give and Take.” Or, you can buy my book “The Global Career Workbook” https://www.angieweinberger.ch/the-global-career-workbook/
9 – Practice German and Prepare for an Exam
You have now been in Switzerland long enough to have at least started with German lessons. Ensure you have one exam in your pocket and the certificate in your application file. While the summer is a great time to enjoy your time off, it also has rainy days. Work with Yvonne Herrmann-Teubel for a trial class and work on your German.
10 – Enjoy a Holiday or Home Leave with Your Family
Summer is also the best time to be away from Switzerland. You will probably be able to catch up, and in emergencies, companies or prospects could also talk to you by video call. Charge your batteries and leave the city for at least two weeks. This is also the best time to go on extended home leave and see your extended family members, high school friends, and everyone else you have neglected over the last six months in your protestant Swiss lifestyle.
You can buy the HireMeExpress online program by emailing angela@globalpeopletransitions.com. We will release the course as soon as we receive your payment. Please also ask me for my special 2024 deal and book a first meeting to discuss how I could help you.
