Year-End Rush 2025: Flexi-Jobs and Student Jobs

The months of November and December are a golden period for anyone who wants to earn extra in a flexible way. While the Christmas lights are being hung up and the shopping streets fill with shoppers, the Flemish labour market runs at full speed. Retailers, hospitality businesses and logistics centres are looking en masse for extra hands to cope with the year-end rush. Whether you are a student, an employee who wants to earn extra through a flexi-job, or a pensioner who wants to stay active: the opportunities are plentiful.

In this article we tell you everything about seasonal work during the busiest period of the year. You will read which jobs are available, what the new rules are for 2025, and how to get started yourself.

Why is the year-end rush such an important period?

The last months of the year are crucial for many sectors. Just think of Black Friday, Saint Martin, Sinterklaas, Christmas and New Year. All these moments create an enormous peak in demand for products and services.

In retail, the fourth quarter is decisive for the annual turnover. Retail chains and webshops work overtime to sell Christmas presents, festive items and winter collections. Without extra staff, they simply run short of hands.

In hospitality, the Christmas markets, year-end parties and New Year receptions are the most important events. Restaurants, cafés and catering companies urgently need flexible workers who can step in on busy evenings and weekends.

In logistics, it is just as hectic. Distribution centres operate at full capacity to deliver all online orders on time. Sorting parcels, preparing orders, replenishing stock: the work keeps piling up.

All these sectors are looking for people who can start quickly, are flexible and are good at getting stuck in. Perfect, therefore, for anyone who wants to work in the short term without long contracts.

Flexi-jobs: earning extra with a tax advantage in 2025

If you already have a permanent job of at least 4/5, you have for a few years now been allowed to earn extra through a flexi-job. This system is designed for people who want extra income without fiscal drawbacks. And the good news? In 2025, important improvements have been introduced.

New flexi-job rules from 2025

The rules for flexi-jobs have become more attractive in 2025:

Increase of the tax-free limit: Previously you were allowed to earn up to 12,000 euros per year tax-free. From 2025, that amount has been increased to 18,000 euros (indexed). This means you can earn considerably more without paying extra taxes on it.

Extension to all sectors: Whereas flexi-jobs were previously mainly possible in hospitality and retail, from 2025 all sectors can choose to employ flexi-jobbers. There is an opt-out system in which each joint committee decides where and in which functions flexi-jobbers can work.

Adjustment for pensioners: Pensioners who have not yet reached the statutory retirement age and have worked fewer than 45 years may, since 1 January 2025, earn extra up to 7,876 euros per year through flexi-jobs.

These adjustments make flexi-jobs particularly interesting for anyone who wants to work during the year-end rush. You earn well, without a fiscal burden, and you decide for yourself when you are available.

Where can you work as a flexi-jobber?

During the year-end rush there are plenty of opportunities in:

• Retail: help at the checkout, restocking shelves, assisting customers
• Hospitality: serving, clearing tables, bar work, kitchen assistance
• Logistics: sorting parcels, preparing orders, stock management
• Events: setting up and dismantling Christmas markets, reception, catering

Most jobs require no specific prior training. A positive attitude, flexibility and the willingness to get stuck in are often enough.

Want to know which flexi-job and student job locations are available near you? Then check the AnyShift app for an overview of current vacancies.

Student jobs: work and earn during the holidays

For students, the year-end rush is the period to earn a substantial amount extra. With the new rules of 2025, it has also become easier to work more hours without losing your child benefit or tax advantage.

What has changed for students in 2025?

Since 1 January 2025, the student quota has been increased to 650 hours per year. This means that as a student you may work 650 hours at reduced social contributions. It used to be 600 hours, and before that 475 hours. The increase gives you more room to earn extra, especially during peak periods such as the year-end rush.

Social contributions remain low: Both you and your employer pay reduced contributions. As a student you pay only a 2.71% employee contribution, while your employer pays a 5.42% employer contribution. If you exceed the 650 hours, the normal contributions apply from the 651st hour.

Groeipakket (child benefit) in Flanders: If you do not want to lose the Groeipakket, in Flanders you may work a maximum of 650 hours per year, with a limit of 80 hours per month. As long as you stay within those limits, you keep your child benefit.

Tax advantage: Your first 3,000 euros of income from student work are exempt from taxes (assessment year 2026). Above that you pay tax, but that amount is higher than before.

Which jobs are popular with students?

During the year-end rush there are countless possibilities:

• In the shop: cashier, sales assistant, warehouse worker
• In hospitality: waiter, table clearer, bar staff, kitchen help
• In logistics: order picker, packer, sorting worker
• At events: reception staff, ticket seller, stand service

These jobs are ideal if you want to work between classes or save up considerably during the Christmas holidays. Many employers are looking for students who can step in on evenings and weekends, when it is busiest.

Looking for student jobs that fit your schedule perfectly? Through AnyShift you will find vacancies you can apply to right away.

Working as a pensioner or over-50: stay active and earn extra

The year-end rush is also interesting for over-50s and pensioners. More and more companies value the experience, reliability and work ethic of older workers. Moreover, as a pensioner you can earn extra without losing your pension, provided you stay within certain limits.

Flexi-jobs for pensioners

As a pensioner you may, since 2025, earn extra up to 7,876 euros per year through flexi-jobs, on the condition that you:

• Have not yet reached the statutory retirement age
• Have worked fewer than 45 years at the start of your pension

Are you on early retirement? Then this is a great opportunity to stay active, meet people and still keep your pension.

Have you already reached the statutory retirement age? Then there is no longer an income limit. You may earn as much extra as you want through flexi-jobs, without this affecting your pension.

Why do companies choose over-50s?

Older workers bring valuable qualities with them:

• Experience and a calm approach in busy situations
• Reliability and discipline in the work
• Good social skills in contact with customers
• Stability: they take the work seriously and show up

During the year-end rush, employers are looking for people who are immediately deployable and do not need much guidance. That makes older workers particularly valuable.

For more information about flexible working, you can visit the page for Shifters: Info for jobseekers.

How do you find a job quickly during the year-end rush?

You have decided to get to work. But how do you quickly find a suitable job? Here are a few practical tips:

1. Start looking early

The year-end rush often already begins in mid-November. Companies start recruiting as early as October or early November. The sooner you look, the greater your choice.

2. Use a flexible job app

Apps such as AnyShift quickly bring supply and demand together. You immediately see which jobs are available, where they take place, and how much you earn. You apply in a few clicks and often get an answer within a few hours.

3. Be flexible

Those who are available on evenings, weekends and public holidays have the most chances. The rush often peaks at moments when others are off. If you can work then, you are extra appreciated.

4. Do not only think about money

Seasonal work is also a chance to acquire new skills, build up work experience, and expand your network. For students it can be a stepping stone to a permanent job. For others it is a way to add to your CV.

5. Ask for advice if you are in doubt

Not sure whether you qualify for a flexi-job? Or do you have questions about your student quota? Then check the Frequently asked questions on the AnyShift website. There you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Practical tips for a successful year-end job

You have found a job. Great! Now it is a matter of making a good impression, so that you might be asked again later. Here are a few tips:

Communicate clearly

Let them know in good time when you are available. Can you suddenly not work after all? Pass that on straight away. Employers appreciate honesty and reliability.

Be on time

It sounds obvious, but still: be on time. During the rush, every minute is valuable. Plan enough travel time and make sure you know where you need to be.

Ask if you do not understand something

It is better to ask something than to make a mistake. Employers understand that as a new worker you need a moment to get used to things. So feel free to ask questions if something is unclear.

Stay positive

The year-end rush can sometimes be stressful. Customers are demanding, colleagues are tired, and the workload is high. Still, try to keep a positive attitude. A smile and a good work mentality make the difference.

Build your network

During seasonal work you meet colleagues, managers and customers. Make a good impression, because who knows where it leads. Maybe you will be asked again after the holidays, or you will get an offer for a longer collaboration.

For companies: finding staff quickly during the rush

Are you an employer and are you short of hands during the year-end rush? Then it is smart to rely on flexible workers. Flexi-jobbers and students are often quickly available, motivated to earn extra, and used to short-term assignments.

Through platforms such as AnyShift, as a company you can quickly get in touch with motivated candidates. You post a vacancy, set your conditions, and candidates apply directly through the app. That way you fill in your schedule in no time.

Want to know how AnyShift can help your company find flexible staff? Then take a look at the page For companies: finding staff.

Frequently asked questions about seasonal work

As a flexi-jobber, am I also allowed to work during the week?
Yes, as a flexi-jobber you can work whenever it suits you and your employer. There are no restrictions on days or times.

As a student, do I have to pay tax on my income?
Your first 3,000 euros are tax-free. If you earn more, you pay tax on the amount above that.

As a pensioner, can I earn extra without limit?
That depends on your situation. Have you reached the statutory retirement age? Then there is no limit. Are you on early retirement and have you worked fewer than 45 years? Then a limit of 7,876 euros per year applies through flexi-jobs.

How much do I earn with a flexi-job or student job?
That differs per sector and function. In hospitality, the minimum wage for flexi-jobs is, for example, 12.53 euros per hour (including holiday pay). For students it depends on your age and the sector.

Can I be both a student and a flexi-jobber?
No, you cannot have a student contract and a flexi-job contract at the same time. You must choose one of the two statuses.

More questions? Then check the blogs on AnyShift for extensive information about flexible working, regulations and tips.

Turn the year-end rush to your advantage

The months of November and December offer opportunities for everyone who wants to work flexibly. Whether you are a student, an employee, a pensioner or a jobseeker: there is plenty of demand for extra hands in retail, hospitality and logistics. With the new rules for flexi-jobs and student jobs, it is moreover more attractive than ever to earn extra.

Seasonal work is more than a way to earn money quickly. It is a chance to gain experience, meet new people, and perhaps find a stepping stone to a longer collaboration. Moreover, you can decide for yourself when you work and how many hours you put in.

So do not wait too long. The best jobs are filled quickly. Start looking today for opportunities in your region and turn this year-end rush into a success story.