As a teenager, making money can be hard. You may not have the skill set to do a grownup job and don’t yet have access to the resources or connections to launch a business of your own.
However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have any options for how to make money as a teenager! In fact, there are plenty of great ways you can earn cash and build up your finances even if you aren’t of legal working age yet.
Here are just some of the options you have to start making some serious cash no matter how old you are!
Become a freelance writer
Becoming a freelance writer is an easy way for teens to make money. There are many websites which offer opportunities for writers of all levels, from beginners just starting out to highly skilled writers looking for more advanced projects.
Many companies will pay you per project or by the hour and some will even allow you to set your own rates! You can work with these companies on your own schedule so it's perfect for people who have school or other commitments.
There are also many platforms such as Upwork that allow people with any skill level (and no specific degree) to make money online. If you're looking for an easy and flexible way of making money, freelancing is the way!
Market online
Online jobs have opened up a whole new world of opportunities for teens. All you need is an internet connection and some basic skills, and you're on your way to making money while sitting in the comfort of your own home.
There are many different ways that teens can make money online, from creating music or art and selling it online, to becoming social media influencers and posting sponsored content on their Instagram pages.
Sell something on eBay
Selling on eBay is an easy and simple way for teens to start making money. All you have to do is set up an account, pick your product, set a price, and list your item. It's so simple that you could get paid for doing it in just 15 minutes!
To maximize your profits, try using keywords that are popular on the site. You can also use eBay's suggested pricing feature or final value fee calculator to find out what the going rate for your product is.
Start a YouTube channel
YouTube is an excellent way for teenagers to make money. YouTube channels are more popular than ever, and all you need is some decent video skills, audio equipment, and creativity.
Create video content that appeals to your audience, such as tutorials in your area of expertise or simply vlogging about your day-to-day life. Promote your videos with relevant hashtags on social media and through online forums like Reddit.
Post links to your videos on other websites. And don't forget that YouTube offers advertising options--sponsorships are available for channels of any size!
Do odd jobs around your neighborhood
I am only 16, but I have been using this technique for years. It's easy, and it works. When I was in middle school, my mom gave me permission to mow the lawns around our neighborhood.
As soon as I got home from school each day, I would grab the lawnmower and start knocking on doors. Inevitably someone would say yes, and before they knew it their grass was cut and they were paying me $20.
If you don't know how to mow yet then this may not be right for you--but if you do and want an easy way to make some money, try this out!
Get an after-school job
While it may seem like the best time to get out of school and have some free time is during the summer, having an after-school job can actually be beneficial for you.
First off, getting an after-school job can give you a lot of life skills that will help you later on in life. You'll learn how to manage your time better and make decisions about your future based on what you want instead of what other people want for you. It will also teach you patience and self-control, which are important skills that can be applied elsewhere in your life.
Set up an Etsy shop
Etsy is an online marketplace that allows people from all over the world to buy and sell handmade and vintage items.
Etsy is a great way for teens to earn money in their spare time. Setting up an Etsy shop will take some time but it's worth it in the end, because you'll have your own online store that you can control. The first step is creating your account.
After signing up for an account, you can start adding items for sale on your new shop. Next, fill out your profile with some information about yourself like where you live and what kind of art or crafts you make.
You can also include links to social media sites and blogs so buyers know more about you if they're interested in purchasing something from your shop.
Take on responsibility at home
Are you feeling like your parents are never home? Do you need some extra cash? If so, consider taking on responsibility at home.
Become the parent and start doing chores. The good news is that these responsibilities will teach you important life skills and put money in your pocket at the same time. Your parents will probably be grateful for this too!