Start your own business
For many teenagers, the problems with the "go get a job" approach include:
- You may not be old enough
- You may lack reliable transport
- You may not have enough time available or a regular enough schedule for someone to be willing to hire you
- You might not be able to find a job in your area that you enjoy
If any of these problems holds true for you, then working for yourself on a part-time basis may be the best way to go. Here are some ideas:
Baby-sitting
Babysitting is a tried and true way for any responsible teenager to make money (If you like kids!). Any community that has families with small children needs baby-sitters. However, it is extremely hard to find trustworthy and reliable baby-sitters who are available on a regular basis. Your business would provide in-home baby-sitting services. There are several things you can do to make your services more valuable. First, you should go take a Red Cross first aid course so that you know how to handle emergencies. You might also want to volunteer at your church if there is a day-care centre there. You can pick up a lot of valuable experience that way. Second, you might want to consider teaming up with some like-minded friends. That way your group will be able to say "yes" more often and that will increase the number of calls you get. See this page for some great advice on babysitting.
Gardening or Lawn care
Another favourite. During the summer you mow lawns, trim hedges
and so on. In the autumn you rake leaves. In the winter you shovel
snow.
Indoor house painting - you advertise your ability to paint individual
rooms in a customer's house. Before undertaking this adventure you
should make sure you know what you are doing by reading, working
with someone with experience and practicing in your own home.
Baked goods (cookies, cakes etc.)
Many families are too busy to bake their own cookies and cakes these days. However, having fresh-baked goods around the house is nice. Also, a family might need a home-baked cake for a school bake sale or a party. You could provide baked goods for special occasions like these or sell baked goods at local craft or farmers' markets. Check local health laws if you start this sort of activity.
Cleaning
If you enjoy cleaning and do it well, then house cleaning for others is straightforward and easy. Find busy people in your neighborhood and clean for them once every week or two.
Dog walking or holiday pet care
Most people who have pets want to give them the best care possible. Your business would help pet owners to do that by walking their pets daily or by providing in-home pet care when owners are on vacation.
Errand-running for busy people
Busy people often do not have time today to buy groceries or to run other errands. Your business would handle these tasks for them.
Washing cars for neighbours
You can simply wash cars. It may be that you could also clean the inside of cars as well.
Making and selling something unique
If you are artistic create something such as greeting cards. You will discover that your greatest difficulty doing this is finding outlets, so work to solve that problem (you will learn an incredible amount in the process).
Last Updated: 21-jun-07