5 Ways to Make Money as a Teenager
5 Ways to Make Money as a Teenager
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Finding a way to make money doesn't have to be intimidating.
With school and extracurricular activities, getting a job sounds very overwhelming. It's definitely easier to go home after a long day at school than it is to trudge to a job. However, there are benefits that come with those exhausting days. Starting work young opens a great path for the near future. Teen employment encourages independence, self-reliance, and a healthy transition to adulthood.
That's great, but it's notoriously difficult to get a job as a teenager; you have no work experience and you need most of your time for school. There are, however, a lot of ways to make money as a teen if you know where to look. Here are five great ways to make money as a teenager.
The Internet/Social Media
Teenagers of today have one asset that previous generations never had: the internet. There are tons of ways to make money on social media: from starting a YouTube channel to blogging, vlogging, selling items online, or managing social media accounts, the list of profitable possibilities is infinite. So how can you start right now?
YouTube
Starting a YouTube channel is completely free; however, certain types of equipment are needed in order to make videos, including mics, cameras, software, and more. First, you must sign into YouTube and create an account as a means of creating videos. As for making money, it can be tricky. Your videos have to be interesting and creative, and even then, going viral isn’t a guarantee.
But if your videos do eventually gain traction, you can start to profit. You can set up an adSense account, become a Youtube partner, or create sponsored content.
Many teenagers in high school grow their channels through vlogging, but there are countless other possibilities. Are you really good at science? Make videos that tutor simple science concepts. Are you an organized, productive person? Make content that focuses on productivity, "Study with Me" videos, and study tips. Are you good at making people laugh? Write and perform simple sketches. There's no limit to what you can do with a YouTube channel, and there's no telling how many people want to see your content.
Managing Social Media Accounts
Getting paid to be on social media sounds like a dream, and for many, it is. If you're creative and organized enough to manage an online organization, this job may be for you. As a social media manager, you will need to monitor the company’s accounts. You have to be on top of the latest digital marketing trends and make sure that you're posting consistently. You'll also need to interact with potential customers or clients, always upholding the image of the business. It might sound like a simple job, but it can be hard work.
Babysitting
If someone told you, "Think fast! Name a job a teenager could have!," there's a high chance you'd say "babysitter." Commonly thought of as the quintessential job for a teenager, babysitting is a flexible job that can be very rewarding. Plus, there's no hard age requirement, meaning that if you're a teenager who can't get any other job because of your age, babysitting may look like the best option.
But remember that being a babysitter comes with a lot of responsibility. Parents will want to see that you're organized and trustworthy, capable of taking care of their children while they're gone. And don't expect the children to just sit tight for four hours either; children have a lot of energy, and you'll need to have activities prepared to keep them occupied. But this job does have its perks- almost everyone in the neighborhood will need a babysitter at some point, and the job can teach you how to care for children. But if you're not quite ready for that level of responsibility yet, pet sitting is just as flexible with a little less pressure. The responsibilities typically include stopping by a neighbor’s house to feed an animal a few times per day while the owners are away. Don't take the job lightly, but it definitely won't be as much work as babysitting.
If you're looking to get involved in baby or pet sitting in your neighborhood, try to network. Talk to the people you know, tell them that you're looking for a job, and they'll pass that information on to people in the neighborhood who may need your services. And once you've built up a healthy reputation for reliability in your neighborhood, other parents will be more trusting of you, and you'll be able to easily build up a customer base.
Washing Cars
As a teenager, this side job can be rewarding and lucrative. Your work hours are flexible and completely up to you. Your neighbors would love to be able to get a car wash without having to labor under the sun or leave their house. A car washing job allows you to be independent and make money at your own pace. Plus, it's easy to modify to comply with COVID-19 restrictions- your neighbor doesn't even have to come out of their house! If you're interested in washing cars for money, spread the word. Hang up posters or talk about your newfound business with neighbors. Soon, you'll be making money at your own pace, without having to worry about a boss or coworkers.
Part-Time Jobs
Babysitting or washing cars is great, but at the end of the day, there's no substitute for the real deal. Working at a part-time job- whether at a restaurant, fast food chain, grocery store, or small business- prepares you for having a real job in the future. Plus, colleges love seeing that you were able to hold and maintain a part-time job as a high schooler. If you're interested in getting a job, think about the places you love to eat or shop. Are any of them hiring? Look at fast food chains like Chick-fil-A, as well as local businesses near you. At least one place near you is bound to be hiring.
Check out their paper or online applications, and if you get an interview, aim to impress. Not the place for you? Don't worry! Keep moving and you'll find the right place.
All of this may sound overwhelming, considering the time and effort that goes towards attaining a job. On the other hand, there are many benefits that come with a part-time job as a teen:
Valuable work experience. Teenagers are only a few years from going to college and becoming an adult. Having work experience is a huge bonus for employers and makes finding a job much easier. Ultimately, having work experience looks great on a resume. Students who are able to work are likely to catch sight of future employers. Besides the on-paper benefits, getting a job increases your skill sets and confidence. You’ll be sure to rock that interview when you walk in with confidence and preparation.
Financial education. Having financial education teaches you money management. It makes you acknowledge the importance of saving and when to spend. Teenagers with a job are less likely to be careless when spending their hard-earned money. It teaches the difference between needs and wants.
A source of income. Of course, the real reason we all work is to earn money. Having a source of income can be a huge benefit- it can prepare you for the future of adulthood. In the end, being able to spend your own hard-earned money makes you feel accomplished and self-reliant.
Entrepreneur
One of the best possible jobs out there is running your own business. When you become an entrepreneur, you’re in charge of everything. Hours of work, employees, your company's regulations, and best of all, the content you sell. Becoming an entrepreneur is extraordinary. Although getting started may be hard, the end result is worth it. If you’re one of those people who want to go beyond the typical 9-5 job everyday, this is for you. Simply finding out what you love and want to pursue is already a huge step in beginning entrepreneurship. After figuring out what you desire to do, finding a way to change it into something you can make a career off of is next. For example, if you enjoy writing, reading, or painting, sell your artwork! Do book reviews about your opinion! Write enjoyable books and blogs! If you like jewelry, certain objects, or clothes, construct clothing designs! Make your own wearable jewelry! There are countless ways to start your own small business, so if you've got an independent spirit, go for it! Who knows? It could grow into a business that you maintain into your adult life.
Getting a job as a teenager can seem intimidating. However, there is a tremendous amount of value that accompanies a job, and it doesn't have to be as hard as you think. Consider these simple job options and you'll be closer to finding a job that you'll truly love.
This is Cassina’s first year on staff and second year at Edgewood. She loves animals and enjoys playing sports. As a member of the team, she hopes to improve her writing skills and learn more about journalism.
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