Ways for Teenagers to Make Money

From LoveToKnow Teens

There are many ways for teenagers to make money. All that is needed is the drive to land a job, some creativity and in some cases, an entrepreneurial spirit. If you're having difficulty landing jobs in your area, the following are some ideas and tips to help you get or create that next job.

Teen employee at work.

Age Matters

In most states there is a specific age at which you can begin working jobs. In some states it is fifteen and in others, sixteen. There are two ways to find out what the age is in your state. First, you can speak with a hiring manager to ask what the age requirement is. Second, visit your state's employment website for this information; all it takes to get this information is to enter the name of your state, followed by the word "employment" in your browser's window to get the link to your state's website.

Ways for Teenagers to Make Money

Ready to start working? The following are just a few ways for teenagers to make money.

Work for a Business

Working for a business has both perks and disadvantages. If you're old enough to work for a business, you may have to give up school activities in order to earn wages. They may be looking for people to work on the weekends and evenings, specifically. The types of jobs that are typically open to teens include retail jobs, food service, theaters and theme parks. One of the perks of working for someone else is a regular paycheck and benefits, like vacation pay and discounted merchandise.

If working in the service industry doesn't appeal to you, there are other jobs out there, but they'll be a little harder to find. Do you live in a college town? Check out the job boards on campus to find part time jobs, like typing, cleaning or modeling. Do you live in a rural area? Consider volunteering first, making sure that the manager knows you're interested in a paying part-time job if one becomes available. Places to find jobs in rural areas include working for local farms, animal shelters, libraries and other small businesses.

Self Employment

If nothing is available in your area that suits you, consider starting your own business. You'll only be limited by your abilities and you can set your own schedule. This may be important if you don't want to give up all your free time to a regular part-time job working for someone else.

Ideas for jobs that you can do by yourself, without regard to your age, include:

  • Babysitting – is one of the easiest ways to make money if you live in town. If you need certification, contact your local fire department, 4-H group or YMCA for information on classes.
  • Lawn mowing – though seasonal, both girls and boys can do this job. Add extras, like weeding gardens, planting flowers or leaf blowing to your list of services to earn more money.
  • Cleaning – again, both guys and girls can offer their services for house cleaning. This job requires that you understand and can follow directions when cleaning someone's house. Add packing to your list of services and you may land a few jobs helping people move as well.
  • Tutoring – both boys and girls can offer this service, especially if you have a knack for explaining things to other people. One way to spread the news about this service is to let your teachers know that is something you're willing to do- they'll be able to tell students who need help that you're available.
  • Computer help – are you a whiz at setting up and fixing errors on computers? This may be a great job for you. Many large businesses charge $75 and up to set up a computer system in people's homes. Undersell the competitor, like charging $50 instead, and you'll be making great money doing a job that may only take an hour or two. Other services you could offer include teaching people how to use their email, research, using PowerPoint or Excel and creating websites.

Not sure how to setup a home business or you would just like a few more ideas? Check out these articles on LoveToKnow Teens:

Remember; don't be discouraged if you are turned down for a job. It may take several or even a dozen job applications before you find a job that is well suited to you. If you're self-employed, you may need to advertise your services even more to get clients. Perseverance is the key to getting the job you want!

Retrieved from "http://teens.lovetoknow.com/Ways_for_Teenagers_to_Make_Money"

 


Comments

Hi Stuart,

Thank you for sharing more of your knowledge with our readers!

-- Contributed by: Marcelina Hardy

Nice article Charlotte! I agree that the ways in which teens can make money are only limited by their imagination.

Two things for each teen to consider though: 1. Why do they actually want the money? If it's a financial goal that makes them eager in anticipation, it will be easier to withstand the inevitable periods of "But I don't want to go to work tonight!"

2. If they're going down the entrepreneurial track, the best question they can ask themselves is: what is my solution to someone's problem? That way, they are immediately offering a service that people are more likely to pay for!

Smiles,

Stuart Fleming Creator of the Money Mindset Mob. Enthusiastic believer in independent teens.

-- Contributed by: stuart Fleming

Comment on Ways for Teenagers to Make Money



(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)
Verification Code:   
    

Teens Categories
LoveToKnow Tools
More Articles