As kids transition from childhood to their teenage years, it can be tough to find good ways to earn money. Many jobs have age restrictions, and most teenagers don’t have the required experience for professional roles. Fortunately, there are several jobs for 13-year-olds that can put some cash in their pockets while building valuable skills. From babysitting to online tasks, there are opportunities to suit every personality and interest. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best jobs for 13-year-olds and provide advice on how to get started in the workforce. Whether you’re saving up for a new bike or just looking to gain some work experience, you’re sure to find something here that fits your needs.
Babysitting and Pet Care
Babysitting is a classic job for teenagers. If you have younger siblings or are experienced with young children, this could be a great option. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Make sure your parents/guardians and the parents of the children you’ll be watching approve of the arrangement.
- Get training in CPR and basic first aid to be prepared for emergencies.
- Be responsible and reliable – parents are counting on you to take care of their children.
Another option is to provide pet care services, which can include dog walking, pet sitting, and so on. Here are some tips:
- Get to know the pet and their routine before starting work.
- Ensure that the pet has enough food, water, and exercise.
- Be gentle and patient with the animal and follow the owner’s instructions.
- Consider using websites like Rover, Wag, or Care.com to find pet care jobs in your area.
How do I become a pet sitter?
Here are the steps to become a pet sitter:
- Gain experience working with animals in a professional setting, such as volunteering at a shelter or working at a pet store.
- Consider getting certified through a pet-sitting organization, such as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
- Create a professional pet-sitting profile on websites such as Rover.com or Care.com.
- Market your services to family, friends, and neighbors to gain experience and references.
- Set competitive rates for your services based on your experience and services offered.
Lawn Care and Yard Work
Many homeowners need help with lawn care and yard work, and this is where 13-year-olds can come in and earn money. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Mowing lawns, raking leaves, and shoveling snow are some common tasks.
- Make sure you know how to use lawn equipment and tools safely.
- Consider setting up a business and marketing your services to your neighbors.
- You can also use websites like TaskRabbit and Craigslist to find jobs in your local community.
| Service | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Mowing lawn | $20-$50 per job depending on the size of the lawn |
| Raking leaves | $25-$40 per hour |
| Shoveling snow | $20-$50 per job depending on the size of the driveway/sidewalk |
According to a survey by AARP, the average price of lawn care and gardening services in the United States is $25-$50 per hour, so keep this in mind when setting prices for your services.
How can I make money doing yard work?
Here are some ways to make money through yard work:
- Offer services to neighbors, friends, and family members who need help with their yard work.
- Create a listing on online marketplaces like TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, or Craigslist to get connected with people in your area who are looking for yard work services.
- Offer your services to small businesses or community parks that need help with their lawn maintenance.
- Explore opportunities with home gardeners who need help with gardening or landscaping tasks.
- You could also start your own yard work business and offer services on a larger scale.
Assisting with Online Tasks
If you have a talent for technology and social media, then offering your assistance with online tasks might be the perfect job for you. Here are some things to consider:
- Offer to help businesses in your community with tasks like social media management, email marketing, and data entry.
- Create a website or social media account that showcases your skills and experience.
- Consider joining freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer to find potential clients online.
- Expect to earn $10-$20 per hour for online work.
According to an article by Forbes, the global freelance market is growing rapidly and is expected to reach $90 billion by 2025. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for young people to begin building their freelance career.
What is the best for work in online?
There are a few options for finding work online, including:
- Freelancing websites such as Upwork or Freelancer
- Remote job boards like Remote.co or We Work Remotely
- Gig economy platforms like Uber or Postmates
Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your skills, goals and preferences. It’s important to research and compare different platforms to find the one that aligns with your needs.
Retail and Food Service
Retail and food service jobs can provide a great opportunity for teenagers to learn important skills such as customer service, teamwork, and time management. Here are some things to consider:
- Look for entry-level positions in retail stores, grocery stores, or fast-food restaurants.
- Expect to earn minimum wage or slightly above minimum wage.
- Be prepared to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as these are busy times in the retail and food service industries.
- Consider applying for internships or apprenticeships to gain more experience and knowledge about the industry.
- It’s important to remember that these jobs can be challenging but they offer an opportunity to build your professional skills and work history.
Websites like Snagajob, Indeed, or Monster can be great resources for finding retail and food service job openings in your area.
What is a food service employee?
A food service employee is someone who works in the food industry and is responsible for carrying out various duties related to food service. These duties may include preparing food, serving customers, handling transactions, and cleaning up. Specific job titles within the food service industry include waiter/waitress, bartender, line cook, chef, and host/hostess.
If you’re interested in learning more about food service jobs or are looking to hire food service employees, websites like Indeed and Glassdoor can be great resources. Additionally, if you’re running a food service business, software products like Toast and Upserve can help you manage your operations more efficiently.
Volunteer Work
Volunteer work can be an excellent way for 13-year-olds to gain valuable experience while making a difference in their community. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Explore local organizations such as hospitals, animal shelters, food banks, or community centers to find volunteer opportunities.
- Inquire about age requirements as some organizations may require volunteers to be a certain age or have parental consent.
- Volunteering can be an excellent way to meet new people, learn new skills, and make a positive impact in your community.
- Always show up on time, dress appropriately, and be respectful of others while volunteering.
- Remember that volunteer work can be added to your resume and college applications and can be an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to community service.
Websites like VolunteerMatch, DoSomething.org or Idealist can also be great resources for finding volunteer opportunities that match your interests and skills.
What is one example of volunteer work?
Volunteer work can include a wide range of activities, but one common example is helping out at a local food bank or soup kitchen. This can involve tasks such as sorting and organizing donations, preparing and serving meals, and cleaning up afterward.
Some websites that can help you find volunteer opportunities in your area include:
- VolunteerMatch
- Idealist
- HandsOn Network
- Points of Light
Remember that volunteering not only helps others, but it can also be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for yourself.
Conclusion
There are plenty of job options available for 13-year-olds to earn their own money while gaining useful skills and experiences. Babysitting, pet care, lawn care, and online tasks are great options for those who want to work on their own. Retail and food service jobs are also available, but they require significant time commitment and a positive attitude to be successful. Volunteer work is a great way to contribute to the community, meet new people, and develop skills that future employers may find useful.
Regardless of which job option a 13-year-old chooses, it’s important to approach it with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Being responsible, punctual, and respectful is crucial for maintaining good relationships with clients and coworkers. Additionally, always prioritize safety when working with tools, equipment, or clients.
It’s worth taking the time to explore different job options and make a decision based on one’s interests, skills, and availability. With the right job and attitude, 13-year-olds can build a solid foundation for their future career while earning their own money.
