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The job market can be a real arena for a teenager, but with a little resilience and ingenuity, you can find many ways to make money. Aside from sifting through your options with employers who are known to hire teenagers, you should also think about the possibilities of becoming an independent entrepreneur, a budding business owner who would sell goods or provide services in. self-employed. Whether you’re thinking of becoming a beach lifeguard or starting your own landscaping business, be sure to explore your options ahead of time to find the path that works best for you.
Do odd jobs
1. Babysit
You can babysit for friends or family. This is one of the easiest ways to make money if you are a teenager. If you are responsible and love children, give it a try. Ask a friend or family member with a toddler if you can babysit it and start building your customer base.
- Start by obtaining your first aid certificate to reassure your employer and prove to him that he can leave you custody of his children. Community centers, hospitals and Red Cross centers offer free or affordable courses.
- If you are inexperienced with babysitting young children and your clients are nervous about bringing theirs to you, offer to take you on a trial. The first times you look after their children, one of the parents will be present to supervise you.
2. Do some garden work
Many people are too busy to take care of their garden maintenance, but don’t want their home to look sloppy. They are often more than willing to pay someone to mow the lawn, pick up leaves, or cut hedges, especially if they can hire a teenager from their neighborhood or a family friend. Start by asking your friends and family if they need help, and if you don’t have enough suggestions, post a few announcements around the neighborhood featuring your services.
- In the winter, you can sweep backyards, walkways or sidewalks for your neighbors and the residents of your neighborhood.
- You can also suggest that your friends or family members help you with these odd jobs. You will have to split the earnings, but you will also be able to make money faster than working alone.
3. Clean up
Since you are part of the family, you should already be used to cleaning your house, but you can ask your parents to give you additional responsibilities for a reasonable cost. After all, it’s likely that your parents already have a lot of daily chores and concerns to deal with and therefore appreciate your help. You can negotiate your compensation by asking for half of what a professional housekeeper would cost them.
- According to some experts, it is recommended that parents and teens can negotiate these rates based on performance. For example, you could agree to a fee of 30 Dollars to clean the garage and gutters. If you exceed your parents’ expectations by doing a remarkable job, you can agree to a pay hike of 35 or 40 dollars. This will inspire you to do your job better while teaching you better work ethics.
4. Go shopping for an elderly person
Many older people have mobility or dexterity issues and therefore it is difficult for them to do some basic daily chores. If you know any elderly people in your town, ask them if you can help them run errands, move their furniture, fix their computer problems, or water their plants. Be clear, however, about the arrangement you are offering them: the last thing you want to do is do this job thinking you get paid when the other person sees your efforts as just a favor you are giving them.
- For example, if your grandparents have card games every week, ask them if you can introduce yourself to their friends and offer your services. They will be able to alert the guests that you are trying to earn some pocket money, and you can introduce yourself and offer your services when everyone is present.
5. Walk the dogs around your neighborhood
Although the majority of people enjoy walking their dogs, sometimes we are too busy to do so during the day. A dog’s well-being is important to their owner, and they may be willing to fork out some cash to have someone take charge of their walks and exercise. So if you love dogs and have energy to spare, turn your passion and enthusiasm into a source of income!
- Walking dogs part time is easier than ever with the advent of mobile apps for job seekers. You can register on various mobile applications, such as Doggywalk or DogBuddy, which connect available people with dog owners in need
6. Give private lessons
If you are a particularly gifted student, find out about your school’s rules regarding paid tutoring. You may not be able to work or advertise on campus, but that doesn’t mean you can’t work privately with another student in a public library or in one of your respective homes for example.
- You can also register on a specialized site such as Smart Pap or ProxiProf which will put you in touch with students who need a private tutor. These sites will generally ask you to have the bac, but others are more flexible on this point.
- Don’t give up on this idea just because you’re not the top of your class. If you are good at sports, play a musical instrument, or are more of a manual person, you can earn money by tutoring in these areas.
7. Make yourself known
No matter what odd jobs you decide to do in order to make money, it is essential that you have good word of mouth! You can advertise in the local newspaper or distribute flyers, but it’s probably easier (and often free) to advertise online. Consider placing ads on Locanto or talking about your services on your Facebook profiles (and on your contacts page) or Twitter. You will be surprised at how many people in your personal circle need help with household and other chores. Take the time to spread the word and wait to be contacted.
- Once your odd job is up and running, you can create a dedicated social media account to present your services like an SME.
- Remember, however, to use social media and the Internet with caution. Notify your parents and ask for their consent before publishing your advertisements or posting a message on specialized forums. If you are advertising on Instagram or Facebook, make sure your parents know about it so that they can regulate your activity. Ask them to accompany you if you are going to mow the lawn or babysit a stranger for the first time
Find work online
1. Sell your photos
If you have a decent camera and know how to take great shots, try taking photos and selling them online. You usually won’t earn much per sale, but remember that you will also develop a useful skill and an exciting hobby. Plus, if you put a lot of time and practice into shaping your talent, you can turn it into a professional career that will pay you a lot more.
- There are many agencies that buy photos online, so don’t give up if you’re rejected the first time you try to sell your designs. Companies like Shutterstock, Dreamstime, and iStock buy a significant amount of snapshots, but you can also check out smaller agencies once you’ve gotten up to speed
2. Check out the mobile apps for shopping
If you have a smartphone, you can find a number of apps that will connect you with local businesses or people who need help with small tasks for monetary compensation. Not all tasks will pay a lot of money, but they are usually easy to do (for example a business or marketing company might pay you to take a picture of yourself at a certain establishment) and you can see this opportunity as a sort of adventure or treasure hunt.
- Fiverr, Gigwalk and Field Agent are a few examples of this type of app, but there are many more, so do your research and try out different apps! Just make sure the app in question accepts teens before signing up.
3. Take online surveys
Marketing research is very important to large businesses, and paid survey sites are one of the many ways companies conduct these surveys. Most of the surveys are quick and very easy to do, and you can take them from the comfort of your own home. Take the time to research reliable sites in this area, especially those that do not charge registration fees and accept teenagers.
- Filling out surveys online isn’t the most lucrative business out there (you can earn between $ 6 and $ 7 per hour), but it’s easy and stable work.
- You can also participate in paid market research as a group. Unlike online questionnaires, you have to travel to answer these questions in person and will be paid between 45 and 130 euros per hour.
- Some sites pay you for each survey and on others you must have completed a certain amount of surveys.
4. Start a YouTube channel
You can earn money by uploading videos to free services like YouTube through ads made before and during the most popular content. Although there are millions of users and competing channels, don’t be discouraged and give it a try! After all, there are plenty of YouTube celebrities out there, and the most popular started when they were teenagers looking to make some extra cash while having fun. Remember to let your parents know about content you make public on the Internet so that they can help you moderate user comments and keep you safe.
- While fashion and video game vlogs are very popular and plentiful on YouTube, don’t feel limited in this arena. If you like playing pranks on family members or putting on shows in your living room, consider filming them and putting them on your channel! You can also create a book club or a fan group on YouTube where you will lead discussions about your favorite novels.
- You can start by using your laptop’s webcam and the light in your bedroom, but as more people follow you and want to improve the quality of your videos, you’re going to have to invest in a better camera, video editing software and professional lights.
Sell your creations and possessions
1. Organize a garage sale
Even if you don’t have anything valuable to sell, your family probably has items in your house or garage that you want to get rid of. Ask your parents if they would be willing to get rid of old stuff and let you sell it on the condition that you do most of the heavy lifting. If they accept, empty your closets, attic or basement and post announcements of your sale in the neighborhood.
- Although it may seem strange, don’t give your items a price! People often start to negotiate prices for a much higher amount than you might expect, let interested buyers give you a price before saying anything.
- You can earn a little more money by providing reasonably priced drinks and snacks. If the weather is nice, sell lemonades or soda, and if your sale takes place in winter, offer hot coffees or teas.
2. Sell your old clothes at thrift stores
Charity stores like The Salvation Army accept your clothes as a donation, but some stores are willing to pay money in exchange for second-hand clothes. Gather all the clothes and accessories you no longer wear and take them to a thrift store. Sellers may not accept your clothes if they are old-fashioned or in poor condition, but you can still donate the refused items to charity.
- Wash your clothes and accessories before taking them to a thrift store, as the cleanliness of the items and their condition will influence the sellers’ decision.
- Luggage storage is definitely your best option for designer pieces. You will not get cash immediately, but will have a higher percentage once your business is sold.
3. List your collectibles in online classifieds
If you have valuable items like collectibles that you want to resell, you can auction them off on websites like Ebay. Unlike the random buyers who participate in yard sales, you will find people who are genuinely interested in what you are selling and therefore will be willing to pay a higher price.
- The most important thing when selling things online is to take great photos of your product. Potential buyers won’t take a risk if they don’t have access to quality images of your item, so use a good camera and lights to capture your items before posting your ad online [Your reference].
- Talk about the security measures of the site you are passing through with your parents and ask them to be present when you make the transaction with your buyer.
4. Sell your creations
If you are manual and enjoy artistic pursuits, try selling your creations online. You can make friendship bracelets, bead jewelry, origami, or screen-printed t-shirts, depending on what materials you have and how much money you have to purchase these materials. Start by showcasing your designs on social media, and make word-of-mouth work with friends and family.
- Browse Etsy to study your options and find out which designs are selling the best on the site. Doing this research before you start will help you avoid wasting your time and money crafting items that no one will want to buy.
- You should sell your designs at double the price they cost you (in materials and production), but start at more reasonable prices in order to attract your first customers.
- If you’re not sure if you want to go to an online store, try making a few seasonal creations over the holidays that will be easy to make and require a minimal investment. For example, you can pick mistletoe or pine cones, tie them in bunches with inexpensive ribbons and bells, and sell them. If you are good at it, then it will be a good idea to open a more permanent store.
Work in the service sector
1. Check with grocers
Many grocery stores take teenagers as employees to tidy items on shelves or in customers’ bags, and these types of jobs can be a good experience for your resume. You won’t be paid much more than minimum wage, but your income will be stable, as long as you are punctual and reliable with your employer. You will also have the opportunity to work and spend time with other teenagers in your case. Make sure you can stand for several hours at a time, as storing items on shelves or in customers’ bags is a physically demanding activity.
- If you don’t have a car, make sure the store is within walking distance or that your parents or siblings are prepared to drive you to work on a regular basis. If you have a car, make sure you earn enough money to pay for gasoline.
2. Work in a restaurant
It’s not the most glamorous job out there, but the fast food industry is one of the biggest employers of teenagers in the world. The job is fairly easy, but you need to be prepared to work under pressure during peak hours. Also be aware that some economists and workers’ rights advocates argue that teens should avoid the fast food industry at all costs. They point out in particular the lack of benefits, rights and training and claim that employers take advantage of their young employees, so do your research before taking a job in this field [For Your Reference].
- As with other restaurant jobs, there are some dangers in the workplace that you should be aware of before you start. The risk of slipping, burns and cuts are all issues you might encounter, along with the potential hearing damage from headsets transmitting commands.
3. Work in a fast food restaurant
Although the majority of restaurants require waiters and their bar staff to be over 16, many hire teenagers over 14 to wash dishes, shop or deliver. meals to their customers (if and only if they have written parental consent, an authorization from the labor inspectorate and offer their service during school holidays). You will have less interaction with customers, but you will gain valuable experience in the restaurant industry and be able to receive a portion of the tips. It is also physically demanding work and you must be prepared to stand for the duration of a shift.
- Working in a restaurant also poses safety concerns as you may fall or burn yourself, learn about safety rules before you start working and make sure you receive adequate training from your employer
Advice
- Put on your 31 for your interviews. The first impression is very important and a well-groomed outfit will make you appear more responsible and motivated.
- Think of these odd jobs as more than a way to make some extra cash. Every job and experience you get will allow you to learn new things and prepare for your next jobs, in a field you enjoy.
- Cafes or grocery stores with cork notice boards can be a great place to hang your ad. You just need to check with the management that you can place your ad.
Warnings
- Be careful when taking online surveys. These are sometimes scams to send unwanted messages or viruses to your mailbox.
- Make sure you have permission to sell any items you display at thrift stores or in your yard sale. Don’t sell something your parents want to keep! Also, consider the sentimental value of an item before selling it: even if something is only worth ten dollars to a stranger, it can have sentimental or nostalgic value for you or your family that is far more than that amount.
- Be careful when using online services such as PayPal to sell your items. These services will take a percentage of your winnings from you, so watch your account carefully.
- Do not post your ads until you learn about the regulations. For example, posting your ad on utility poles or dropping them directly into mailboxes in your neighborhood is illegal in some countries and you could face a hefty fine if caught in the act