The job market is a tough place for teens, but with determination and ingenuity, you can definitely find a way to make money. This wikiHow contains ideas for how to make money for teens.
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Method 1 of 4: Doing Part Time Jobs
Step 1. Try being a babysitter for neighbors and family
One of the best ways for teenagers to make money and help society is parenting. If you are a responsible person and like children, give it a try. Ask family friends with young children if they need help taking care of the kids and start building a client base.
- You can start by getting a CPR certificate and taking first aid exercises to make people more confident leaving their children with you. Local community centers, hospitals, and the Red Cross usually offer this kind of training free of charge or at a low cost.
- If you don't have parenting experience and your new client is concerned about this shortcoming, ask them to give you a trial period. For the first time, look after their children when they are home and can supervise.
Step 2. Take care of the gardens and gardens
Most people are too busy to take care of their yard, but they also don't want their yard to look unkempt or neglected. They will usually be happy to pay people to mow the lawn, rake dry leaves, or trim the bonsai, especially if they can hire a neighbor's teenage son or a family friend. Start by asking if your neighbors and family need help, if this method doesn't work much, post information around the house to offer your services.
- Overseas, teenagers usually offer to sweep snow off neighboring driveways or sidewalks in winter.
- You can also consider working in a team with friends or a family member to take care of the garden. Tasks must be divided, but the work will be completed faster.
Step 3. Take over the task of cleaning the house
Because you are part of the family, you definitely have a duty to help keep the house clean, but you can also ask your parents to give you additional responsibilities for a fee. After all, your parents already have a lot of other tasks and concerns, so they will appreciate your help. You can negotiate compensation for half of what a professional would ask for.
Some experts say that parents and teens can also negotiate a price based on performance. So, let's say you agree to a fee of IDR 30,000.00 to clean the garage and trench with standard results. If your work exceeds expectations, you can receive up to IDR 40,000, 00 or IDR 50,000, 00. A plan like this will reward your work and also teach you about a better work ethic
Step 4. Help the seniors
The ability to move and dexterity of the elderly usually begins to decrease, so they find it difficult to do some things that become their daily routine. If you have seniors in your area, ask if you can help them shop, move furniture, fix computer problems, or water the plants. However, make sure the agreement is clear to both parties up front because you definitely don't want to do work that you thought you would be paid for, it turns out to be only seen as a favor based on kindness.
For example, if your grandpa usually invites his friends every week, ask if you can come to provide services to his friends. Your grandpa can tell his friends that you're looking for some extra cash, and you can explain what you're going to do when they're all together
Step 5. Offer to walk the neighbor's dog
While most people enjoy walking their own pet dog, they are usually too busy to do so. The welfare of the pet dog is very important to them, so they are willing to spend money on someone willing to take over the task. So, if you love dogs and have a lot of energy, use that interest and enthusiasm to make money.
Becoming a pet's walking companion is now easier than ever with a mobile app for job seekers. You can join through such applications
Step 6. Give tutoring to your schoolmates
If you are an outstanding student, look up the school's rules for paying tuition. You may not be able to tutor them openly at school or advertise them, but that doesn't mean you can't tutor them privately in a public library or home.
- You can also sign up for online services like WizIQ or Tutor Hub that connect you with students who need tutoring. Most of these sites require a high school diploma, but some are more flexible.
- Don't give up just because you're not a genius. If you're very good at sports, musical instruments, or hobbies like woodworking, you can still give paid private lessons.
Step 7. Advertise the services you offer
Whatever work you want to do for money, you have to pass it on to the people who could potentially hire you. You can advertise cheaply in newspapers or hand out flyers, but it may be easier-and usually free-to advertise on the internet. Consider placing an ad on a popular advertising site or generating interest in your services on social media pages. You'd be surprised to see how many people in your social circle need help with household chores and other trivial tasks, so spread your ad and see what happens.
- Once the services you offer start running, you can consider creating separate social media accounts like other small businesses do.
- As always, you must be very careful when advertising or doing business on the internet. Make sure your parents know and agree with all the ads and forums you use. For example, if you advertise on Instagram and Facebook, make sure your parents know about these two social media portals and can help you manage them, and ask them to come with you if you get a job mowing the lawn or babysitting for the first time.
Method 2 of 4: Searching for Jobs on the Internet
Step 1. Sell stock photos
If you have a pretty good camera and know how to take good photos, try selling stock photos. Photos don't usually make a lot of money, but remember that you're developing useful skills and a relaxing hobby. Plus, if you put in a lot of time and practice, you could end up making quite a bit of money.
There are plenty of stock photo agencies that buy photos on the internet, so don't give up if you get rejected in the first place. Companies like Shutterstock, Dreamstime, and iStock are some of the biggest buyers, but you can also try out exclusive agencies if your photos are of better quality
Step 2. Try mobile apps that pay for services to buy something or go somewhere
If you have a smartphone, you can find apps that bring together local businesses or people who want their job done with paid compensation. Not all of these tasks pay hefty money, but they are usually very easy. For example, a business or marketing research company might pay you to take your own photo in a certain place, and you might consider it an adventure or a scavenger hunt.
Examples of apps like this are GigWalk, WeReward, and CheckPoints, but there are many more out there. Make sure that the program accepts teenagers when you join
Step 3. Take part in an internet survey
Marketing research is a very important part of any big business, and paid survey sites are one of many ways to complete research. Most surveys are quick and unobtrusive, and you can do them from your own home computer. Take the time to look for trusted sites that don't charge a registration fee and accept teen participants.
- In America, filling out surveys is not a very lucrative job, the average survey pay is $7.00–$8.00 per hour, but it is easy and stable.
- There is also the opportunity to participate in paid marketing research in focus groups. Unlike internet surveys, focus groups meet face-to-face and are paid between $50.00 and $150.00 per hour.
Step 4. Create a YouTube channel
You can make money uploading videos on free services like YouTube because of the ads that play before and during popular content. Even though there are three million users and competing channels, don't be discouraged before you try. After all, most of the most successful YouTube stars started out as teenagers looking to make extra money while having fun. Just make sure your parents approve of the content you upload and ask them to help you respond to user comments for safety.
- While fashion vlogs and video game guides are probably the most common types of YouTube content, don't feel limited in this arena. If you like pranking your family or telling jokes or performing comedy skits in front of your family, consider recording it and uploading it to your channel. You can also form a book club or YouTube fan group and lead discussions about your favorite novels, music, and movies.
- You can start with a regular laptop camera and home lighting, but if you want higher quality and production value, consider buying a better camera, editing equipment, and professional lighting.
Step 5. Participate in local research
Many universities and drug companies pay people to participate in research or clinical trials. Some of this research is conducted in the afternoon, while others require a long-term commitment, so make sure you read all the terms and conditions before starting.
- To find trials that will be and are being carried out, you can check advertising sites and the official websites of universities and clinics.
- Most clinical trials aren't open to teens, but you can find some if you're looking for research specifically for teens. However, make sure you ask your parents for permission as they will have to sign a trial if you are accepted.
Method 3 of 4: Selling Crafts and Household Goods
Step 1. Have a sale on the home page
Even if you don't have anything of value to sell, your family may have unused items that just take up space in the house and garage. Ask your parents if they'll clean up the old stuff and let you sell it as long as you take care of it. If they agree, clear out your closet, attic, or basement, and advertise your planned sale in the neighborhood.
- While it may seem odd, don't put a price on any one item. People usually start bidding at prices that exceed your expectations, so let them bid before you say anything.
- You can make some extra cash at this event by providing cheap drinks or snacks. If the weather is sunny, offer orange juice or soda, if the weather is cold, offer hot tea.
Step 2. Take old clothes to a thrift store
While charities usually accept clothing as donations, thrift and consignment stores will pay a certain amount of money for used clothing. Collect clothes and accessories you don't use or like anymore and take them to a thrift store. They probably won't buy it if the model is out of date or in poor condition, but you can always donate the clothes they refuse.
- Make sure you have washed all the clothes that will be offered to the store because cleanliness and condition will affect their consideration and evaluation.
- Consignment stores are the best choice for designer clothing. You don't get any money up front, but you'll get a higher price once the clothes are sold.
Step 3. Include collectible or deprecated items in online ads
If you have a valuable collectible that you're ready to let go of, you can auction it off on a website like Ebay. Unlike random visitors who just pass by your home page when you sell items, here they are indeed interested in what you are selling and are willing to pay a higher price.
- The most important thing when including items in an online ad is to include a good photo. Buyers won't take the risk of bidding if they don't see detailed, high-quality images, so use a camera and good lighting to take pictures of the item before it's advertised.
- Make sure you talk about the security of online transactions with your parents beforehand and ask them to accompany you if you make in-person transactions.
Step 4. Make craft items to sell
If you're good at making things and like art classes, try making craft items to sell online. You can make friendship bracelets, stone jewelry, origami, or screen-printed T-shirts, depending on the equipment you have and how much money you have as capital. Start advertising your craft items on personal social media and word of mouth among friends and family.
- Check out Etsy to see what options you have and what types of crafts are selling best on the site. Research can save time and keep you from making bad mistakes.
- Later on, you will need to charge twice as much as the material and production costs, but you will also need to start at a moderate price in order to build a customer base.
- If you're still unsure about opening an online store, try making seasonal craft items for the holidays, which are easy to make and require only a small investment. For example, you can make Christmas decorations and sell them. If the results are good and you enjoy the process, think about opening a more permanent shop.
Method 4 of 4: Working in the Service Industry
Step 1. Check if there are any vacancies in the convenience store
Many supermarkets employ teenagers as grocery bag fillers or stock counters, and a job like this can be a start-up CV experience. Your pay won't go far beyond the minimum wage, but it's stable and consistent as long as you work your way out and are a reliable employee. Chances are, you'll also be working and meeting like-minded teens. However, make sure you are able to stand for hours on end because this kind of work is very physically demanding.
If you don't have a vehicle, make sure the shop is within walking distance, or that your parents or siblings will drop you off every day. If you have a vehicle, make sure you include gas money in the calculation of the salary you will get
Step 2. Try being a restaurant waitress
While most restaurants require servers and bar staff over the age of 18 or 21, many also employ teenagers as maids or busser, food pickers, or delivery service drivers. In this job, you don't interact much with customers, but you will gain valuable experience in the restaurant industry and often receive your share of server tips. It's also physical work because you're expected to be standing around the clock, so consider if you have a problem with having to move around a lot.
Working in a restaurant also has some safety issues, such as slipping and burning, so make sure you comply with all safety regulations before starting work and that you have received adequate training from your employer
Step 3. Work in a fast food restaurant
It may not be a glamorous job, but the fast food industry is one of the biggest employers for teens worldwide. The job is quite easy, but you have to be prepared to face the high pressure during peak hours. Also, be aware that some economists and labor rights advocates claim that teens should avoid the fast food industry. They mention that some of the reasons employers in this industry take advantage of youth employees are the lack of benefits, entitlements, and education, so do your research before you work in this field.
Just like any other restaurant job, there are some workplace hazards that you should be aware of beforehand. Slips, burns, and cuts are some of the problems you might run into, as well as potential hearing damage from drive-thru headsets
Step 4. Look for vacancies in recreational areas
Places like cinemas, playgrounds, swimming pools, etc. are looking for employees from their teens, so consider working in this field if there are vacancies in your area. You'll have to go through some swimming training and qualifications if you want to become a lifeguard or pool guard, but there are many other opportunities that don't require any experience.
Also, think about seasonal occasions like vacation camps and haunted houses at carnivals. This job recruits a lot of teens, can be a way for you to expand your social circle, and is almost guaranteed to tell you a great story
Tips
- Dress well for the interview. First impressions are very important, and a well-groomed appearance will make you look responsible and dedicated.
- Think of every job opportunity as more than a way to earn money. All jobs and work experiences provide valuable learning experiences that can be used to get better jobs in the future.
- A cafe or convenience store with a bulletin board is a great place to post flyers. Ask for permission first with the management.
- This method may not be a popular choice, but lucky draws and bets are an easy and fun way to earn extra pocket money. Ask your parents for permission first and see what happens.
- Wait a few days after your homework is done. Parents usually don't pay every day.
Warning
- Be careful when filling out online surveys. Some are just gimmicks and will send a lot of junk email and/or viruses.
- Be careful when using services like PayPal when buying and selling on the internet. This service charges a fee from the sale, so make sure you monitor your account carefully.
- Make sure you have a license to sell whatever you want to sell. Don't sell things your parents still want. Also, consider the personal value of an item before selling it. It may cost only 100 thousand rupiah, but it may have sentimental or nostalgic value for you or your family so it may be worth much more than 100 thousand rupiah.
- Don't post flyers until you know the rules. For example, you might get in trouble if you stick a flyer on a utility pole or someone else's mailbox and will be fined.
