MACKINAW CITY, MI -- Seasonal jobs are a way to get back into the workforce, and according to Mackinaw City business owner, there are plenty of jobs available.

But while they’re available, applications for some of those jobs are coming in slowly, and for the others, it’s more than just high school and college students applying to fill them.

"You’re not going to get anywhere in life unless you work for what you want," said Rick Caldwell, an employee in Mackinaw City.

Rick Caldwell says he spent about three months on unemployment and that was more than enough.  He said the first job opportunity he had, he jumped on it, and now he’s a receptionist at the Hamilton Inn in Mackinaw City.

"When there's a job available, I don't care if it's housekeeping, maintenance, whatever it is, you're working for your money instead of asking for handouts," said Caldwell.

He says he can't believe that in a state with more than 10 percent of people looking for work, his employer, Joseph Lieghio, is having trouble finding people to work.

"When there's no unemployment insurance, we get a lot of applications.  When there's unemployment insurance, there's much less," said Lieghio.

The proof is on his desk.  In March, when unemployment was considered being cut, 52 people applied in his hotels.  When unemployment was extended, that came to an end.  In April, only nine have applied for the several hundred open positions he will soon have in his 14 hotels.  Lieghio says on top of fewer applications, several people have declined the positions he has offered.

"They are low-paying jobs verses the rest of the economy, but they are jobs, good, honest work, and they do provide steady income," he said.

Marshall's Fudge owner Patrick Frohoff says he's had several people apply for open summer positions in his fudge shop, but those applying are just not the traditional high school or college kids looking for some summer loot.

"All different ages, people you wouldn't typically think are coming in for work, looking for part-time work," Frohoff said.

He says older folks who are looking for work is just a sign of the times.

Lieghio has about 150 visa-workers work in his hotels over the summer, but he says there are several jobs available, and you could start as soon as this week.

If you’re interested in a position at one of the hotels, you can either apply in person at the Hamilton Inn in Mackinaw City or call Marsha at (231)436-5005.

For information on Michigan Labor Market Information, CLICK HERE.

For information on how to apply for unemployment, CLICK HERE. 

For Michigan jobs, CLICK HERE.