As a teenager, it can be very hard to persuade parents to provide you with the allowance you want. There are always new things to buy: cosmetics, DVDs, games, tickets, and they are often not covered by a reasonable monthly allowance. As a parent, you may find your teenager complaining about not having the money. They might tell you that it's
impossible for a teenager to get a job. However, this isn't true. Teenagers are young and creative. They often have knowledge that their parents don't : knowledge that can be very valuable in getting a job. All it takes is thinking outside the box.
Errands: There are many services that a teenager can provide, such as washing windows or cars, mowing lawns, shovelling snow, raking yards and gardening. You'll be saving time for busy homeowners and many will be relieved to have these tasks taken off their hands. Prices can range from $5 to $20 per hour.
Pets: You could offer to walk your
neighbours' pets once or twice a day. It's good exercise, and if you like animals, is worth the pay. You could also offer to look after pets when an owner goes away on holiday. It won't pay much, but is an easy task.
Crafts: If you're crafty, you could sell your crafts at a local art market or online. This is a great way to develop a hobby and make contacts. Sites such as Etsy or eBay are very easy to use and this can earn some extra cash.
Tutoring: You can offer to tutor younger children in the neighbourhood. Depending on the amount of effort you are willing to put in, this could involve as little as helping them with their homework or as much as making lesson plans and worksheets. Many parents can't
afford to pay for a pricey tutor, but want their children to have a little extra help in school. Prices can range from $5 to20 an hour. This can also apply to musical instruments or computer skills.
Life guarding/Swim coaching: If you're a strong swimmer, then you could look into taking a life guard course. Local swimming pools may have openings for life guards or swim coaches in the summer.
Delivering Newspapers: This is one of the most common jobs for teenagers. A paper round is an easy way of earning $5 to 15 a week.
Babysitting: Babysitting can be as simple as watching TV while a child sleeps. However, there can be more involved. If
you're not fond of kids, this might not be a good option, especially as there are so many things that could go wrong. I would only suggest this option when you know the child(ren) beforehand.
Setting up a home-made business: If you have a product or food that you can make well, then why not sell it? Cookies are a popular option. You could also grow your own fruit and vegetables in a patch and sell them to your neighbours or at a farmers market.
Reselling: This is a very profitable way of making money- selling soda, sweets, or chocolate at school or local clubs. Buying bulk can give you very cheap prices buts profits should be carefully kept track of using a program like Excel. Make sure you're not breaking any school rules by selling sweets!
All these jobs require dedication, and many require advertising to get off the ground. Although word of mouth can be very effective in offering services or selling a product, it is useful to hand out
flyers, post business cards, and tell friends and family. Patience is also necessary with any business. Even if it takes a while, you will get there eventually!
When the money starts to come in, save it! At first, there may $5 a week, and you could buy a magazine and a chocolate bar, but it is much better to save up for a few months until you have $100, and you can buy something longer-lasting. Set yourself a goal and make sure you reach it. Good luck!
Warning: In some places it is illegal to put flyers or advertisements in mailboxes- leave them outside the house or post through the door instead.