by Mary P Ivy

Created on: October 10, 2010

Teens looking for jobs face stiff competition these days, often competing with unemployed adults. And young teens are further hampered by legal restrictions because of their age. But that doesn’t mean an inventive teen, even very young teens, can’t earn enough to pay for things they want.

The best opportunities for many teens could be the ones they create for themselves. And it’s not as impossible as it may sound. It just requires a bit of creative thinking, enthusiasm, and energy – traits that most teens have in abundance!

1. Start by thinking about what you enjoy and know about.

Do you have special aptitudes in music, basketball (or any sport, really), art, computers, yard work, car detailing? Are you a math whiz? Even a young teen – and certainly older teens – can use this to advantage.

Young children already admire you, and may know of you through your success in school. You bet they would love to take music lessons from the high school drum major, or practice their jumpshot with the varsity star. If you are good in a particular subject, you may be a more effective tutor for a younger child than an adult, because you can approach a problem from their perspective and you speak their language.

2. Take a walk through your neighborhood. Think about how those around you have been impacted by the on-going economic downturn.

While many adults have had to cut back on discretionary spending, that doesn’t mean they don’t need things done from time to time. Maybe they’ve had to cancel their lawn service, but the grass and shrubs still grow, and occasionally they need help.

Older people in your neighborhood might be potential customers. Get to know them. If you show them you are a hard worker, trustworthy and reliable, they will find lots of odd jobs for you to do. The bonus here is if they like you, they’ll let their friends know and your business will grow! These older folks may need your help running errands for them. You could get paid to drive around – how cool is that!

When the grass stops growing and the snow begins to fall, show up with a snow shovel and offer to clean their walkway and drive. An energetic young person could make $25 per driveway and handle several driveways in a morning!

3. Talk to people, start small, look for opportunities, become known.

As a young teen especially you can use your eagerness to advantage. Adults like to see a young person with an entrepreneurial spirit

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