Moneymakers for Young People

A lot of traditional jobs are unavailable to those under the legal working age. But maybe your parents think it's silly to buy that new video game or music player or fashionable pair of pants. Maybe they just want you to learn the value of working for it yourself. So where do you turn? Here are some great ideas for you to try!.

Yardwork

Any time of year there's work worth doing in the backyard. Shovelling snow in the winter, planting and weeding in the spring, mowing lawns in the summer, and raking leaves in the fall. See if there are any family friends or elderly relatives who either can't or don't want to do the work themselves, and would rather pay the neighborhood kid than some expensive landscaping crew. You can negotiate prices according to either the size of the job, or the time it takes to complete it. We do not, however, recommend going door to door. Stick with people you know, and your parents approve of. Better to be safe than sorry.

Fast Food

A lot of eateries will hire people as young as fourteen, provided there is parental consent. This may not be the most glamorous job, but it is a steady, respectable paycheck. Some restaurants will also hire young busboys/girls, and this can set you up for a job at the same establishment waiting tables when you're older, which can be very lucrative. Just make sure not to overload yourself so you don't have time to be a kid, or do your homework.

Lemonade Stand

This tried and true method is still a good way to make some pocket change, especially if you've got a well-trafficked road nearby. Make sure to account for price of lemons/lemonade mix and supplies(cups, ice cubes), so you know how much to charge. The cost of expenses is called your overhead, and it's integral to knowing how much you need to make to cut a profit. Try to get a couple friends involved in the venture, too. More people means fast service, and more money to pitch in for supplies.

Selling Candy/Soda at School

Some school administrations frown upon this, so you want to check with your school first to make sure it's okay. But if they give the go-ahead, it can be very profitable. Get your parent or older sibling to drive you to a wholesale store like Costco or Bj's, and buy some jumbo variety packs of name brand soda. Buying them like this means you only pay something like fifteen cents per can of soda. This is your overhead. Take them to school in your backpack and sell them for a dollar and that's an eighty-five cent profit. There are big name corporations who wish they could cut that kind of a profit margin!

Computer Help

If you're computer savvy you could offer your services to the technologically challenged people in your neighborhood. You can install software and teach them how to use it, give basic lessons on using the internet, or just general desktop navigation. Charge by the hour if you're doing this, and again, make sure it's just people you know. Don't go into any stranger's houses, and always let your parents know where you are!

Petsitting/Dogwalking

If you're good with animals, think about caring for friends' and family members' pets whil they're away. You can visit several times a day in the summer to walk dogs, feed/water pets, and play with them. You can also bring in the mail and newspapers, and other small chores that need to be done. Charge by the amount of work you're expected to do, not by the hour, as they can't actually keep track of how long you're there. Also, don't abuse the priveledges the people are giving you. They're trusting you with their house and animals, don't let them down!

These are just a few ideas to start with. The best way to figure out what to do is to first look at what skills you have to offer, and then start asking around to see what friends and family need done!

Until next time!

Team Ben