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23.06.2025 09:58

Starting a summer job in the service sector? Here are 5 things all summer workers should know

When you know the basics, it’s way easier to step into your summer job with confidence and steer clear of unnecessary problems.

Hymyilevä henkilö pitelee kahvikuppia kahvitauolla ja katsoo ylöspäin verhojen edessä.

Landed a summer job? Nice one!

Before you dive in, take a moment to check out these five quick tips. They’ll help you make sure your rights are respected and your summer at work runs smoothly.

1. Always get a written employment contract

A written contract is your safety net. It should clearly state your pay, working hours, duties, the length of your job (start and end dates), notice period and the collective agreement that applies.

Pay special attention to the minimum number of hours you’re guaranteed each week. If you’re on a zero-hours or on-call contract, your shifts aren’t guaranteed – and that could mean less (or even no) income. For example, in the commerce sector, zero-hours contracts are not allowed at all.

Don’t feel pressured to sign anything right away. You can ask for time to read through the contract properly or check it with someone you trust before handing it back.

Also, make sure your wages match the minimum pay rates set in your industry’s collective agreement. For example, sales assistants in the commerce sector and waiters in hospitality have specific minimum wages. Your contract can’t go below that.

Read more about employment contracts

2. Fixed-term jobs work both ways

Most summer jobs are fixed-term, meaning the contract ends on a set date, and it binds both you and your employer. You can’t just walk away before the end unless you’ve agreed on that possibility in advance.

Your contract might also include a trial period. It’s basically a chance for both sides to see if things are working out. Trial periods must be agreed upon in the contract and can’t be longer than half the job’s duration or six months at the most.

During the trial, either you or your employer can end the job, but employers must have a valid reason.

No mention of a trial period in the contract? Then there isn’t one.

3. You’re entitled to proper orientation

No one expects you to know everything from day one. Orientation is your right, it means learning how to do your tasks safely and understanding the workplace rules. This applies in every sector.

Got questions? Ask away! Orientation is for your benefit, and it’s totally fine not to know everything yet.

If nobody gives you any training, speak to your supervisor or a staff rep like the shop steward or occupational safety rep.

4. Track your hours and keep your shift lists

You should always get your shift schedule ahead of time – in retail, at least two weeks in advance, and in hospitality, one week. Keep these schedules safe.

Also, start logging your actual working hours from day one. Write down your start and end times for each shift, either on paper or digitally. That way you can check your payslips and be sure everything adds up.

Download a readymade form here to keep track of your working hours (in Finnish)

Every summer, PAM hears from workers who haven’t been paid correctly. Keeping track of your hours is the best way to protect yourself.

5. Think before you post

Social media is fun, but when you’re working, it’s good to keep it professional. Sure, freedom of speech is a right but so is being responsible about what you post.

Never share confidential info about your job or employer online. If something at work doesn’t feel right, talk to your shop steward instead of posting about it.

Pam softens the bumps of work life if things go wrong

Sometimes summer jobs don’t go as planned – and that’s okay. If you’re a union member, you’re not alone. You can get support in all kinds of situations, like:

  • shifts being cancelled without warning
  • unclear or incorrect pay
  • unreasonable demands from your employer when you’re sick

The best way to thrive at work is to know your rights and to speak up if something feels off.


PAM’s Guide to working life has practical info on tricky work situations whilst you will find summer work specific tips on our summer job checklist.

Make work life smoother and join PAM now!

Keywords:

employment relationship summer job

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