Are you a teen looking for ways to earn some extra cash? Maybe you want to save up for a car or put some money away for college.
Whatever your reason, starting a side hustle is the perfect solution! With so many options available, from pet-sitting and online surveys to becoming a social media manager or even starting your own business, there’s something out there for everyone.
So why not give it a try? In this blog post, we’ll explore the best side hustles for teens and provide tips on how to get started. Let’s dive in and start earning that extra cash today!
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Popular Side Hustles For Teens
If you are focusing on something else like school, having a side hustle is viable if you can manage your time well.
Some popular side hustles for teens include babysitting, tutoring, online selling, event planning, and house cleaning. These gigs are a great way to earning a few dollars.
Babysitting And Pet-sitting
Babysitting and pet-sitting are two of the most popular side hustles for teens to earn money. Babysitters can earn an average of $17 per hour, while pet sitters can make up to $40 per day. Many families and pet owners are in need of reliable and responsible caretakers and even dog walkers making it a great opportunity for teens.
To get started with babysitting or pet-sitting, it’s important to build a network by asking friends and family members if they know anyone who needs these services. You can also create flyers or post on social media to advertise your services.
It’s crucial to have good communication skills, as well as basic knowledge in childcare or animal care. Plus, gaining experience in caring for children or pets will help develop valuable skills that could be useful later on in life.
Freelance Work
Freelance work is a great option for teens who want to make extra money while still having the flexibility to manage their own schedule.
As more businesses move online, there are plenty of opportunities for freelance work in areas such as content creation, social media management, and graphic design. Plus, freelancing can also help teens develop valuable skills and gain practical experience that could be useful later on.
To get started with freelance work, teens should identify their strengths and interests and start building a portfolio of their work. They can then search for job postings on websites like Upwork or Fiverr or reach out directly to local businesses that might need their services.
It’s important for teen freelancers to set clear expectations with clients about project timelines, rates, and deliverables to ensure a successful working relationship. Once you have a few regular clients, you could even turn this side hustle into a full-time business in college and beyond.
Tutoring
Tutoring is an excellent side hustle for teens who excel academically and enjoy working with younger students. Tutoring is a legit opportunity to make money in one hour.
With many parents willing to pay top dollar for quality tutoring services, this side hustle can be quite lucrative. You can offer your services in person or online, depending on your preferences and the clients’ needs.
To get started as a tutor, you should consider what subjects you are most knowledgeable about and passionate about teaching. You can advertise your services through social media, local community groups, and word of mouth from family and friends.
You could also create an online course, however this will require a significant amount of time and money to get started, but once you’ve done the work it can be an excellent source of passive income.
Tutoring not only provides extra income but also helps build valuable skills such as communication, organization, and time management that will come in handy in all areas of life.
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Online Selling
Online selling is quickly becoming one of the most popular side hustles for teens.
With the rise of e-commerce platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay, it’s easier than ever to start your own online store. Many teens are finding success by selling their artwork or crafts on sites like Redbubble or Society6.
Selling items on Poshmark or Mercari is another avenue for making extra money online. These apps allow you to sell gently used clothing and accessories from your own closet or thrift stores. It’s a great way to clear out clutter while earning some cash.
Additionally, many teens have found success in reselling shoes through platforms like Stockx and Goat. Buying low and selling high can lead to significant profits in this niche market. However, it does require some knowledge about sneaker culture and trends in order to succeed as a shoe reseller.
Lawn Care And Landscaping
Lawn care and landscaping can be a great side hustle for teens who enjoy spending time outdoors.
You can offer services such as mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and planting flowers to earn a few extra bucks. According to an article on The Balance Small Business website, the average cost of lawn mowing ranges from $30 to $80 depending on the size of the lawn.
To get started with lawn care and landscaping, you will need some basic tools such as a lawnmower, weed trimmer, pruning shears, gloves, and safety glasses. You can advertise your services online or by distributing flyers in your neighborhood.
Cutting grass is one of the top 10 best side hustles for teens according to an article published on DollarSprout.com. So why not put your passion for gardening into practice and make some extra cash?
Car Washing And Detailing
Car washing and detailing is relatively easy to get started, with only basic equipment like soap, water, and cleaning supplies needed. Plus, it’s a flexible job that can be done on weekends or after school.
In fact, some car owners may prefer to have their cars washed during the week while they’re at work. Additionally, there is the potential to upsell services such as waxing or interior detailing, allowing for even more income opportunities.
According to an article on GoBankingRates, a good estimate for earning potential from car washing and detailing is up to $50 per vehicle depending on services requested by the customer.
Online Surveys
You can earn quick money taking online surveys in your spare time, or at the very least a few free gift cards! You’ll earn points from shopping online, answering surveys, surfing the web, and even playing video games. There are several online survey sites available, and most of them let minors sign up.
Swagbucks is open to anyone over the age of 13, while Survey Junkie and Branded Surveys are excellent choices for teens over the age of 16.
InboxDollars and LifePoints are two additional well-known survey websites. To use these apps, you must be at least 18 years old.
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Event Planning
Event planning is another great side gig for teens who love to organize and design. From birthday parties to graduation celebrations, there are many events that need planning and coordination. Teens can start by offering their services to friends and family members or posting about their event planning skills on social media.
To get started in the event planning business, you should research local vendors such as caterers, DJs, and photographers. You should also consider creating a portfolio of past events you have planned or decorated. Offering competitive pricing and exceptional customer service will help you stand out from other event planners.
It’s important for teen event planners to communicate effectively with clients throughout the planning process, including budgeting details and timelines. You can also use online tools like Trello or Asana to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
Photography And Videography
Photography and videography can be an exciting and lucrative side gig for teens who have a passion for capturing images or creating videos.
With the rise of social media platforms, demand for visual content is high. Teens can offer their services to local businesses or individuals in need of professional imagery. There are various ways to monetize photography and videography skills, such as selling prints online or offering event photography/videography services.
Some popular platforms where you can sell their work include Etsy, Redbubble, Shutterstock, and Adobe Stock. Additionally, you can create video tutorials on YouTube or start a blog showcasing their portfolio to attract potential clients.
Social Media Management
As a social media manager, you will be responsible for managing the online presence of businesses or individuals. This includes creating social media content, scheduling posts, and engaging with followers to increase their online visibility.
Many companies nowadays require an active social media presence to stay competitive in the market. Thus, there is growing demand for teen social media managers who can help small businesses build their brand online while earning extra money on the side.
According to a survey from Hubspot, 80% of marketers believe that their business’s success is tied closely to effective use of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – making it one of the most important avenues where businesses need help.
House Cleaning And Organizing
You can offer your services to busy families or individuals who don’t have the time or energy to deep clean their homes regularly. This side hustle can earn you up to $40 per hour.
To get started with house cleaning and organizing, you should create a list of tasks that you’re willing to do and determine your rates based on the size of the home, frequency of cleanings, and level of organization needed.
You may also need some basic supplies like cleaning solutions, brooms, mops, and vacuums. A few clients can quickly turn into many clients through referrals or online reviews.
Deliver Newspapers
To some kids today, this may seem like an outdated habit, yet distributing newspapers may be a stable and reliable source of cash ($350-500/month). Although though these jobs are part-time, the typical teen’s schedule seems to be ideal.
There are certain considerations you’ll need to look into such as: ensure that you discuss the employment with a parent or legal guardian and that they are aware of your route, learn all there is to know about Google Maps, publish a resume and choose the distance you wish to cover on your route just to mention a few.
Play Video Games Online
A great example of a side gig for teenagers is live streaming video games. For teens, playing video games has turned into a lucrative industry. We have a list of 27 ways to make money gaming online.
You might as well get paid to play video games if you’re going to do it, right? Teenagers can sign up for the well-known live streaming service Twitch.tv with parental authorization and oversight. You can live stream gameplay and earn money from commercials in addition to sharing it with interested viewers.
Similar to YouTube, your ad revenue will increase as your audience grows. You can become a Twitch.tv partner if you build a strong subscriber base. With the program, you can receive $2.50 a month for each subscriber you have, which might be a sizable source of money.
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How To Find The Right Side Hustle For You
When it comes to finding the right side hustle, it’s important to consider your interests and skills, do some research on potential opportunities, ask for recommendations, and start small. Want more tips? Read on!
Consider Your Interests And Skills
It’s important to consider your interests and skills. Are you an artist who loves drawing or painting? Perhaps selling artwork or crafts on Etsy could be a great fit for you.
Or maybe you’re bilingual and have experience tutoring others in language learning. In that case, offering language lessons can help not only earn extra cash but also enhance valuable skills.
The key is finding something that aligns with your passions and strengths so that it doesn’t feel like just another job but rather a fun way to make some extra money.
Research Potential Opportunities
There are many resources available online, such as job boards and freelance websites like Upwork or Fiverr, where you can browse available opportunities (if you need help applying for gigs on Upwork, read our conclusive guide to writing cover letters on UpWork with examples.)
Additionally, starting small and building up is a great way to ease into your side hustle while gaining experience along the way.
Keep an eye out for local businesses that may be looking for extra help or consider creating your own business using platforms like Etsy or Redbubble. With some research and creativity, there are endless possibilities for teen side hustles!
Ask For Recommendations
When looking for the right side hustle, it’s always helpful to ask for recommendations from family and friends. They might have connections or know of opportunities that you wouldn’t have otherwise found on your own.
Don’t just limit yourself to personal connections though! It’s also worth reaching out to local businesses or organizations in your community. You can ask about part-time job openings or if they need any extra help with their business operations. This is a great way to gain experience in different industries while making some extra money on the side.
Start Small And Build Up
Starting a side hustle as a teen can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to go all-in from the start. It’s okay to start small and build up gradually. This will allow you to gain experience, learn valuable skills, and make mistakes without risking too much.
One way to start small is by offering your services to family members or friends for free or at a reduced rate. This will help you build a portfolio of work and get feedback on your skills before venturing out into the wider market. Starting with smaller projects also allows you to manage your time better while balancing schoolwork and other commitments.
As you gain more experience, expand your services or product offerings slowly. This may mean increasing your rates slightly or taking on slightly larger projects. Remember that success doesn’t happen overnight – it takes time, effort, and persistence.
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Benefits Of Starting A Side Hustle As A Teen
Earn Extra Money
Whether it’s saving for college or just having some spending cash, there are plenty of opportunities out there. Selling stuff online can be an easy and profitable side gig for teens. Sites like Etsy, Redbubble and Amazon FBA allow anyone to sell their artwork or crafts.
These side hustles require little upfront investment but can pay off significantly in the long run. For example, babysitting typically pays around $10-$20 per hour.
Develop Valuable Skills
By engaging in tasks such as social media management or event planning, you can gain experience in marketing and project management that could be beneficial later on in your career.
Additionally, tutoring or freelance writing can help with developing strong communication and writing abilities.
Furthermore, creating your own business is another way to develop essential entrepreneurial skills such as budgeting, customer service, and networking. A dog-walking service may require managing schedules and finances while promoting services to potential clients.
As a result of these experiences, you will have developed valuable transferable skills that are highly sought after by future employers – setting you up for success beyond your teenage years.
Gain Business Experience
Starting your own business is one way to learn about marketing, managing finances, and customer service.
Whether you’re selling handmade crafts or running errands for neighbors, developing these skills will be beneficial in any career path you choose.
Furthermore, gaining business experience through a side hustle can help prepare for future job opportunities. Even if entrepreneurship isn’t in your long-term plans, having practical business experience on your resume can set you apart from other candidates when applying for part-time jobs or internships.
Build A Professional Network
By working with clients and customers in your chosen field, you will have the chance to connect with people who could potentially help you secure work or open up new opportunities down the road. Additionally, networking with other professionals in your industry can provide invaluable insight and advice about how to succeed.
One way to start building your professional network is by joining relevant online groups or communities on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. These spaces allow you to connect with others who share similar interests and goals, and may even lead to job offers or referrals in the future. Attending conferences or events related to your side hustle can also give you the chance to meet new people and make important connections.
Overall, building a professional network through your side hustle as a teen is not only possible but highly recommended.
Explore Personal Interests
If you’re passionate about something, why not turn it into a way to make money? For example, if you love photography or videography, you could offer your services for events like weddings or birthdays.
If you have a talent for art and design, consider selling your creations on platforms such as Etsy or Redbubble. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your unique skills and earn some extra cash at the same time. Other interests that can be turned into side hustles include cooking and baking (offering catering services), sports (coaching younger kids), music (teaching lessons), and more!
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Tips For Balancing A Side Hustle And Schoolwork
Prioritize your time by creating a schedule that balances both schoolwork and your side hustle, take breaks and practice self-care to avoid burnout, and communicate with clients or customers about availability to ensure a manageable workload.
Prioritize Your Time
When juggling schoolwork and a part time job, time management is key. It’s important for teens to prioritize their time wisely in order to succeed in both areas. This means setting aside designated times for studying, completing homework assignments, and working on their side hustle.
One way to effectively prioritize time is by creating a schedule or planner that outlines daily tasks and deadlines. By doing so, you can ensure you are dedicating enough time to each responsibility without sacrificing one over the other.
Prioritizing time is essential when it comes to juggling schooling and a side business, according to an article from The Balancing Small Business. They advise setting up specific days or times of the week for your side business while making sure that your schooling remains your primary focus.
Stick To A Schedule
This means creating a daily or weekly plan for your tasks and prioritizing them accordingly. It’s important to set realistic goals for both your academic responsibilities and side hustles to avoid overcommitting yourself.
One way to stick to your schedule is by utilizing time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, where you work in focused 25-minute increments followed by a short break. Additionally, avoiding procrastination can help you stay on track with your schedule and complete tasks more efficiently.
By adhering strictly to your schedule, you’ll be able to balance schoolwork and side hustles effectively while reducing stress levels overall.
Take Breaks And Practice Self-care
As a teen balancing schoolwork and a side hustle, it’s important to prioritize your mental health. Taking breaks and practicing self-care can help you avoid burnout and stay motivated. Make sure to schedule in time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s reading a book or going for a run.
In addition to taking regular breaks, make sure to stick to a consistent sleep schedule and eat nutritious meals throughout the day. Taking care of your physical health will also boost your productivity when working on your side hustle.
Communicate With Clients Or Customers
One of the most important aspects of a successful side hustle as a teen is effective communication with clients or customers. It’s crucial to establish clear and prompt lines of communication to ensure that expectations are met and feedback can be received.
When starting out, make sure to set boundaries for availability and communicate them clearly to clients or customers. Let them know when you’ll be available, how they can contact you, and what kind of response time they can expect. This will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that both parties are on the same page.
Regularly checking in with clients or customers is also important for building trust and maintaining relationships. Ask for feedback on your work, address any concerns or issues promptly, and make adjustments as needed. Good communication skills will not only help you succeed in your current side hustle but also build a positive reputation for future opportunities.
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Legal Considerations For Teen Side Hustlers
Teens should be aware of the legal considerations when starting a side gig, including obtaining necessary permits and licenses and following child labor laws; to learn more about these important factors, keep reading!
Obtain Necessary Permits And Licenses
It’s important for teen side hustlers to obtain the necessary permits and licenses before starting their business ventures. This not only ensures that they are legally compliant but also helps protect them from potential legal liabilities. Depending on the type of side hustle, teens may need a variety of licenses or permits, including those related to business registration, sales tax, and safety regulations.
For example, if a you plan to start a lawn care or landscaping business as your side hustle, you may need a permit from your local government or homeowners’ association.
Additionally, if you plan to use pesticides or other chemicals while working on lawns, you will likely need to obtain an applicator’s license. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and even legal action against the teen entrepreneur.
In conclusion, obtaining necessary permits and licenses is crucial for teenage side hustlers who want to operate legitimate businesses while staying within the bounds of the law. It is always best for you to research what kind of requirements are needed depending on your chosen venture so that it remains safe and lawful all throughout its operation.
Follow Child Labor Laws
It’s important for teens to follow child labor laws. These laws are in place to protect minors from working too many hours or performing dangerous tasks. In the United States, teens under the age of 14 cannot work outside of their homes except in limited circumstances such as delivering newspapers or babysitting.
For older teens, there are restrictions on the number of hours they can work and what type of work they can do. For example, 16- and 17-year-olds may not be able to work past a certain time at night or operate heavy machinery. It’s crucial that teens research and understand these laws before starting any job.
Parents should also be involved in helping their teen navigate these regulations and ensure that their safety is prioritized. By following child labor laws, both parents and teens can feel confident and secure while participating in a side hustle.
Protect Your Safety And Well-being
As a teen side hustler, it’s important to prioritize your safety and well-being. Remember that you are still a minor and should avoid taking on jobs or tasks that could put you in potentially dangerous situations. Always let someone know where you’ll be and who you’ll be with when working for clients outside of your home.
Additionally, consider using safe online platforms to find side hustles rather than responding to classified ads or job postings from strangers. Be cautious about sharing personal information such as your full name, address, or phone number online. Trustworthy platforms like TaskRabbit and Fiverr have safeguards in place to protect their users’ privacy and safety.
Finally, make sure that any equipment or tools necessary for your side hustle are safe to use. If you’re doing lawn care work or other manual labor, wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves and eye protection. And if anything feels unsafe or uncomfortable during a job, don’t hesitate to express your concerns with the client and leave the situation if necessary.
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Budgeting And Saving Tips For Teen Side Hustlers
Learn how to manage your money effectively and start building wealth early with our budgeting and saving tips for teen side hustlers. Don’t miss out on this valuable information that can help set you up for financial success in the future!
Track Your Income And Expenses
It’s important for teen side hustlers to track their income and expenses. This will help you see how much you’re earning, what you’re spending on your business, and what profits you can reinvest or save. Keeping a record of these numbers will also come in handy when it’s time to file taxes.
One way to track income and expenses is by using spreadsheets or budgeting tools like Mint or EveryDollar. These apps allow you to input all your transactions, categorize them accordingly, and generate reports that show where your money is going. It’s an efficient way to keep up with the numbers without having to do too much manual work.
Remember that tracking your finances isn’t just about keeping tabs on your money – it’s also a great way to adjust your strategy as you go along. If you notice that one aspect of your side hustle is costing more than it should be, looking at the numbers can help you make informed decisions about where to cut back or pivot altogether.
Set Financial Goals
It’s important for teen side hustlers to set financial goals to help them stay on track and motivated. Start by determining how much money you’d like to earn from your side hustle each month or year. Then, break that number down into more manageable goals, such as earning a certain amount per week.
By building good habits early on, you’ll be able to make smarter decisions about spending, saving, and investing throughout your life.
Create A Budget
Creating a budget is an essential step for any teenager who wants to start a side hustle.
To create a budget, start by tracking all the money coming in and out of your account. Use tools like Excel or Google Sheets to organize this information easily. Next, allocate funds for necessary expenses such as food, transportation, and other bills.
Finally, set aside some savings towards long-term goals like college tuition or future investments in your side hustle business. Keeping track of everything will help you identify areas where you can cut back on spending so that you have more money to put towards your side hustle.
Overall, creating a budget is crucial for anyone looking to start a successful side business as it helps keep finances in check while also providing insights into potential growth opportunities over time. With some careful planning and discipline around saving habits alongside your side hustling activities, there’s no limit on what kind of extra cash flow ideas may come up!
Start Saving And Investing Early
One of the best ways to set yourself up for financial success is by saving and investing early. By starting young, you have more time for your money to grow and compound over time.
Saving doesn’t have to be complicated; even small amounts each week can add up quickly. Consider opening a savings account specifically dedicated to your side hustle earnings. You can also look into investment options that fit within your budget and align with your goals. Some popular choices include stocks, mutual funds, or index funds.
Remember that starting early gives you the advantage of time on your side so that you can ride out market fluctuations while watching your investments grow. Starting now means more time for compounding interest on those investments which will give you greater earning potential in the long run!
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Overcoming Challenges As A Teen Side Hustler
To overcome challenges as a teen side hustler, it’s important to prioritize time management, seek support and guidance when needed, maintain motivation to avoid burnout, and develop strategies for dealing with rejection or competition.
Time Management
Effective time management is crucial when balancing a side hustle and schoolwork as a teen.
According to a survey conducted by Junior Achievement USA and EY (Ernst & Young), 61% of teens reported feeling overwhelmed by their schedules. To combat this, it’s recommended that teens create daily or weekly task lists and allocate specific times for each activity.
Dealing With Rejection Or Competition
As a teen side hustler, facing rejection or competition may be discouraging. Use rejection as motivation to improve your skills or approach, and see competition as an opportunity to learn from others in your field.
To deal with rejection or competition, stay focused on your unique strengths and qualities that set you apart from others. Don’t compare yourself too closely to others, but instead stay true to your own goals and passions.
Ultimately, developing resilience in dealing with rejection or competition can not only benefit you in your side gig but also in all aspects of life. By learning how to handle setbacks gracefully and staying motivated despite external factors, you’ll develop valuable personal growth skills that will serve you well throughout your future endeavors.
Maintaining Motivation And Avoiding Burnout
Maintaining motivation and avoiding burnout is key to succeeding. It can be easy for you to get overwhelmed or lose interest in your gig, especially if it starts affecting your schoolwork.
One tip is to set small achievable goals instead of aiming for big results right away. This will help keep motivation high and give a sense of accomplishment along the way.
Another way to prevent burnout is to take breaks when needed and practice self-care. It’s important not to push yourself too hard and know when it’s time to step back and recharge.
Seeking Support And Guidance
You can seek guidance from your parents or trusted adults in your lives. You can also join online communities related to your side gig, such as Facebook groups or forums where you can connect with others doing similar work.
It’s important to remember that seeking support and guidance is not a sign of weakness but rather an indication of maturity and responsibility. A mentor or coach can provide valuable advice and help you navigate challenges that may come up during your side hustles.
Conclusion: Why Every Teen Should Consider A Side Hustle
In conclusion, a side hustle is not only a great way for teens to earn extra money, but it also provides an opportunity to develop valuable skills, gain business experience, and explore personal interests.
With numerous options available such as babysitting, online selling, event planning and tutoring amongst many others there’s bound to be something suitable for everyone.
By finding the right side hustle for you and balancing schoolwork with work commitments through prioritization of time management you can build a professional network while ensuring your safety by following legal requirements.
This will set you on track to achieve financial independence early in life while having fun along the way!
Before you leave
If you’re tired of scams and want a real solution for making money online check out my no.1 recommendation.
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David Fortune has been the editor NoBSIMReviews.com since 2019. He is an expert at writing content on stock advisory services, side hustles, reviewing online business opportunities and many more topics. You can learn more about David on our about us page.