With the current downturn in the economy, many parents are finding it more difficult to spare some cash for those around-the-house jobs. What is a kid to do when the traditional first jobs are becoming harder and harder to find? Just like in the adult world, he can put his strengths and skills to use and make some money on his own.
Pet Care
Taking care of the neighborhood pet population could become a lucrative gig for the animal lover. Whether pet sitting while a neighbor is on vacation or simply providing an afterschool walk for someone who works late, the responsibility of caring for someone's pet could be a well-sought commodity.
Babysitting/ Child Care
Any parent will tell you that a babysitter might not be hard to find but a GOOD babysitter is a secret worth coveting. Contact the Red Cross and see when they are offering babysitting certification in your area. Certification is not necessary for the job, but having training in basic child care, first aid and CPR will look good on your resume when you are searching for new potential clients.
Becoming a parent helper---someone who helps with general child issues and maybe light housework---for a parent who would still be home is a great way for younger teens to gain some experience. New moms or parents who work from home might benefit from those types of services.
Lawn Care/ Farm Work
Lawn mowing, weed pulling and garden tending can all be lucrative work for the kid interested in landscaping or agriculture work. Farmers are always in need of strong help in bailing hay and doing other manual labor, and horse lovers may find that work on a ranch doesn't even feel like work.
A small investment in a good rake or snow shovel can lead to high dividends for the teen willing to go door to door to rake leaves in autumn or remove snow in the winter. Working with a partner gets the job done quicker---meaning you can do more in a day, but it involves sharing the dough.
Computer
A computer-savvy teen might find starting his own web design business the way to go. Consider taking a local course in business planning and create a solid, professional design. Potential customers should be interested in your abilities and not be caught up in your age.
Car Washing/ Detailing
The age-old youth fund raising tool--car washing--can be turned into a good source of income for the car buff. Detailing, the specific care of the inside and outside of a vehicle to bring it back to showroom clean, is big business. Showing attention and care to each vehicle will bring back customers again and again.
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