Many 13-year-olds are interested in making money, either to save up for something specific or just to have some extra cash on hand. While some may think that job opportunities for 13-year-olds are limited, there are actually several ways for young people to earn money. In this article, we will explore some options and tips for finding and landing jobs as a 13-year-old. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are laws and restrictions surrounding young workers, and safety and responsibility should always be top priorities.
Common Job Opportunities for 13-Year-Olds
There are several job opportunities available to 13-year-olds, and many of them involve offering services to family, neighbors, and friends. Some of the most common job options for this age group include:
- Babysitting younger siblings or neighbor’s children
- Dog-walking for neighbors or friends
- Lawn mowing or yard work for neighbors or family members
- Cleaning houses or doing laundry for neighbors or family members
- Car washing or detailing for neighbors, friends, or family members
These jobs offer more than just a paycheck. They also allow young people to learn responsibility, build social skills, and gain experience. If your child is interested in starting their own business and has a talent for making crafts or baked goods, they can also consider starting a small business by selling their products to friends and family members.
If you’re looking for inspiration on what businesses your child can start, you can check out Entrepreneur’s list of small business ideas for kids.
What are the most common jobs to have?
Here are some of the most common jobs held in the United States:
- Retail salesperson
- Office clerk
- Food preparation and serving worker
- Registered nurse
- Customer service representative
- Waiter/waitress
- Janitor/cleaner
- General and operations manager
- Teacher assistant
- Driver/sales worker
If you’re interested in finding out more about the job market or looking for career advice, websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn offer helpful resources and job listings.
Working for Family and Neighbors
Another option for 13-year-olds when it comes to job offerings is to offer their services to family and neighbors. It is an excellent way to gain experience, make some money, and learn vital life skills. Some common home jobs that they can do for those in their community include:
| Job Description | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Babysitting | $10-$15/hour |
| Dog walking | $8-$15/hour |
| Lawn mowing | $15-$30/yard |
| Cleaning houses | $10-$20/hour |
| Car washing | $10-$20/car |
Parents and guardians can help their 13-year-old child identify and approach potential clients by interacting with neighbors, family, and friends. They can use online community social groups such as Facebook community pages, Nextdoor, and other social media platforms to advertise their services. It is essential to ensure that the children are clear on their work expectations and salaries, so they know what they are getting into.
Online Job Opportunities for 13-Year-Olds
With the rise of technology, online jobs for young people are becoming more common. They are not a substitute for physical jobs, but they can allow children to earn money from the comfort of their own homes. Some of the online job opportunities for 13-year-olds include:
- Filling out surveys for market research companies
- Writing reviews for products or services
- Completing micro-tasks on websites like Amazon Mechanical Turk
- Virtual tutoring for elementary school children
It is essential to note that some online jobs offering sites may be fake, with some openly scamming people out of their hard-earned money. Parents and guardians should advise their kids to only use reputable websites, such as Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Pinecone Research. Encourage online users to check reviews and do thorough research before signing up.
How to make money at 13?
- Babysitting or pet-sitting
- Mowing lawns or doing yard work
- Selling handmade crafts or products online through platforms like Etsy or Redbubble
- Performing odd jobs for neighbors or family members, such as helping with grocery shopping or cleaning
- Tutoring younger children in a subject they excel in
Some websites that may be helpful for finding odd jobs include TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, and Craigslist.
The Importance of Safety and Responsibility
Before accepting any job, children and their parents must understand the risks and responsibilities associated with each opportunity. Here are some tips to ensure that young workers remain safe:
- Never accept a job from a stranger or work alone in a remote location
- Always let parents, guardians or friends know where and with whom they are working
- Ask the employer if there is any safety equipment required for the job
- Explain to the employer what tasks are unsafe or uncomfortable for them to perform
- Set clear expectations and discuss wages upfront together with the responsibilities that come with the job
- Always wear and use proper safety gear, e.g., gloves, helmet, glasses etc., while performing risky tasks
It’s also important to educate young workers about being punctual, polite, responsible, and ethical when working regardless of the job. Also, children under a certain age will need parental consent and assistance in obtaining working papers and monitoring the job.
By keeping these tips in mind, young workers can stay safe and make the most out of the job opportunities that come their way.
Why is safety a responsibility for everyone?
- Safety is a responsibility for everyone because it helps to prevent accidents, injuries, and even deaths.
- When everyone takes responsibility for safety, it creates a culture of safety within a workplace, community, or home.
- Safety practices can also help to reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
If you’re looking for more information about safety and how to promote a culture of safety, websites like OSHA and SafeWork Australia offer a wealth of resources and guidance.
Final Thoughts
Earning money at the age of 13 can be an exciting experience that can teach valuable life and job skills. While there are restrictions and limitations on what kind of jobs children of that age can do, there are still plenty of possibilities to explore. From babysitting and pet sitting to dog walking, yard work, and online surveys, these opportunities allow children to gain work experience and monetary rewards.
It’s important to remember, however, that safety and responsibility should always come first when considering a job offer. Parents, guardians, and children should discuss potential risks and responsibilities before accepting any positions to ensure that they are safe and prepared. Only by adhering to safety guidelines and maintaining professionalism can young workers successfully build their skills and build long-term relationships with clients and future employers.
As a parent or guardian, you should also encourage your child not to be discouraged if they do not find work right away since not all young people are able to find work immediately. By promoting commitment, patience, and responsibility, along with providing guidance and support, young people can find suitable job opportunities and learn transferable skills that will help them succeed in their future ventures.
