At 13 years old, many teens are eager to earn their own money and gain independence. While traditional jobs may not yet be available due to labor laws, there are still plenty of opportunities for young teens to make money and develop valuable skills. Keep reading for ideas for jobs for 13-year-olds.
Why Work at 13?
Working as a teenager teaches responsibility, time management, and financial literacy. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and an introduction to the value of hard work. While jobs for 13-year-olds are limited by legal restrictions, there are creative and flexible ways for them to earn.
Job Ideas for 13-Year-Olds
Here’s a comprehensive list of job ideas for 13-year-olds, along with tips to get started.
1. Babysitting
- What It Involves: Caring for younger children, playing with them, helping with homework, and ensuring their safety.
- How to Get Started: Take a babysitting class offered by organizations like the Red Cross and ask friends or family for referrals.
2. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
- What It Involves: Feeding, walking, or playing with pets while owners are away.
- How to Get Started: Advertise in your neighborhood or through social media. Websites like Rover (with parental help) may offer guidance.
3. Lawn Care
- What It Involves: Mowing lawns, raking leaves, or shoveling snow in the winter.
- How to Get Started: Offer services to neighbors or family friends, starting with small, manageable tasks.
4. Selling Handmade Items
- What It Involves: Creating and selling crafts, jewelry, or baked goods.
- How to Get Started: Use platforms like Etsy (with parental supervision) or sell at local markets and school events.
5. Tutoring
- What It Involves: Helping younger children with subjects they struggle in, such as math, reading, or science.
- How to Get Started: Offer tutoring services to family friends or younger students at school.
6. Car Washing
- What It Involves: Washing and detailing cars for neighbors or family members.
- How to Get Started: Gather supplies and advertise in your neighborhood.
7. Virtual Assistant for Family or Friends
- What It Involves: A virtual assistant, also known simply as a VA, helps with small tasks like data entry, organizing files, or managing emails.
- How to Get Started: Ask parents or family friends if they need assistance with their small businesses.
8. Social Media Help
- What It Involves: Assisting small businesses or family friends with creating posts or organizing their accounts.
- How to Get Started: Learn basic social media skills and offer your services to tech-savvy adults who may need extra help.
9. Yard Sales
- What It Involves: Organizing and running a garage sale to sell unwanted household items.
- How to Get Started: Collaborate with family members to declutter your home and advertise locally.
10. Photography
- What It Involves: Taking photos at events or for social media.
- How to Get Started: Practice photography as a hobby, then offer your photography skills for family gatherings or local events.
11. Plant Care
- What It Involves: Watering and maintaining plants for neighbors who are on vacation. You can also grow plants at home for money.
- How to Get Started: Let people know you’re available for short-term plant care when they travel.
12. Online Surveys and Market Research
- What It Involves: Completing surveys or providing opinions on products through teen-friendly platforms.
- How to Get Started: Look for age-appropriate survey sites that allow young teens.
Tips for Success
- Parental Involvement: Ensure that parents are aware of and approve each job opportunity. For online jobs, they should monitor activity to ensure safety.
- Start Small: Begin with simple tasks and build experience and trust before taking on more responsibility.
- Set Goals: Encourage setting savings goals for earned money to teach budgeting and financial planning.
- Be Reliable: Building a reputation as dependable and hardworking will lead to more opportunities.
Understanding Legal Restrictions
While some jobs are restricted for 13-year-olds under labor laws, most informal or freelance jobs are acceptable. It’s important to ensure that work doesn’t interfere with school or other responsibilities.
Encouraging your 13-year-old to explore these job opportunities can set the stage for a strong work ethic and valuable life skills. With creativity and determination, they can earn their own money and gain meaningful experiences.
