Summer jobs for teens are getting harder and harder to find today. There aren't that many options available, are there? The typical summer jobs for teens would be working at a fast food restaurant, bagging groceries, or working in retail. Or maybe, you’re thinking about relaxing and just having fun this summer. The only problem with that might be, who is paying for all that relaxing and fun? If you could create your own work schedule, be your own boss, make extra money, and make your parents happy, would this be something you would be interested in? A part-time job summer jobis a good solution because it allows you to have some fun and earn money to pay for that fun!
Our top 10 summer jobs for teens are great business ideas for those of you who want to be their own boss, set your own hours, work as much as you want to earn loads of money or just some pocket change, and possibly make more than minimum wage:
1. Lawn maintenance - Mowing, weed pulling, raking leaves, and with some research, planting. Initial cost could be very low with a used lawn mower, hedge trimmers, and clippers.
2. Web consultant - Most teens I know have a way with computers, and most adults I know struggle with them. Teens can help adults set up and manage social networking sites, such as “Twitter” and “Facebook,” or can be on call to troubleshoot when trouble arises. Teens can also offer classes in blogging, photoshop or other programs in which they have experience.
3. Nanny - Teens who like kids can babysit during the summer while the parents of young children are at work. This is the ultimate insummer jobs for teens!
4. Dog walker or pet sitter – Animal loving teens can walk dogs or pet sit while their owners are on vacation. I’m always looking for someone to help me with my animals, and I pay $30 to $40 a night.
5. Car detailer - With a few supplies and a little coaching, teens can wash and wax cars, clean vents, and vacuum car interiors right in their own driveway.
6. Errand runner - Elderly people and small business owners often need help running errands.
7. Guy or gal Friday - There are always odd jobs around the house or office that are left undone. Teens can even cook meals for families where both parents work.
8. Cleaning service - For teens who have a sense of what is clean and what is not, this is a great business. Most of the time people who want their homes or offices cleaned buy the cleaning products, so teens just have to show up and clean.
9. Tutoring - Teens who excel at school can offer to help younger children who are going to summer school or who need help with subjects they are having difficulty with during the school year. Parents love hiring teens to help their children.
10. Small business assistant - I have enjoyed hiring teens to help me with different jobs for my business. For two hours a day, they shred papers, organize inventory, help with mailings, make phone calls, clean, and do other jobs as needed.
So, summer jobs for teens are out there, it just take a little creativity. After making a choice or two, you should create a small business plan. List out all the supplies that are needed, how many hours the job will take you, how much money you will charge, and how you are going to market your services. Getting the word out is as simple as posting flyers around town, telling your parents to spread the word with their friends and co-workers, and dropping in on business or service groups to ask if they need your services. Then just get going!
Working for yourself can be both a learning experience and gratifying! And if you have other ideas for summer jobs for teens, let us know! ~ Debra
Teen and parenting mentor, Debra Beck, who has spent over 20 years working with teens and parents, is a devoted mother, sought-after presenter, and author. She has helped thousands of girls develop their self-esteem. She now runs her popular website, EmpoweredTeensandParents.com, encourages girls to be the best “young women” possible, and gives moms and dads the understanding they need to help their girls mature with pride and confidence. Her award-winning book “My Feet Aren’t Ugly: A Girl’s Guide to Loving Herself from the Inside Out”, has been revised and updated for re-release in September 2011 with Beaufort Books.