Unconventional Jobs for Teens and Young Adults

By Staff

For teens and young adults, the days of running over to the mall and finding a job are rapidly fading. Such jobs simply aren’t as readily available as they once were, and the lackluster economy has a lot to do with it. That doesn’t mean that you should give up on earning some money as a teen or young adult. You just need to look for less conventional ways to do so. A handful of exceptional options are highlighted below, and they’re sure to get you motivated.

Turn Trash into Cash on eBay

When things are marketed correctly, they can often be sold for a decent price. Start frequenting local garage sales and keep your eyes peeled on garbage day for things that can be fixed, cleaned up and sold on eBay. Don’t rule out anything. Over time, you’ll learn what sells and what doesn’t. Before you know it, you could have a thriving online store.

Be a Golf Caddy

If you live near a golf course or country club, this is a fun and potentially lucrative idea. It helps if you have a basic understanding of golf and actually like to be on the golf course. You also need to have good people skills. If you tend to be somewhat introverted, it’s probably not the best option for you. The right person can earn a decent amount of money doing this, even if it’s only on a part-time basis.

Start a Pet Grooming and Walking Service

People are always looking for help with their furry friends. With a small initial investment in grooming tools and products, you can start your own pet grooming and walking business. Start out with relatives and friends. As you acquire more experience, start advertising online and with fliers. You definitely need to have a genuine love of pets to succeed with this type of business, but the rewards can be truly amazing.

Become a Tax Specialist

You don’t have to earn a college degree to help people with their taxes. A basic course at a local community college may be all that is needed. If you are diligent about studying, you could even teach yourself the basics. The key is to keep up with tax laws and to know how to whittle out deductions and tax breaks for your clients. Offer your services for free at first to your parents and go from there. If you have a knack for it, you could turn it into a real career.

Offer Internet Marketing Services

As a teen or young adult, you probably have a firm grasp on using the Internet. Your expertise is sure to be valuable to many older people who need help with social media sites and other online marketing pursuits. Post ads on places like Craigslist. Research how much people are charging and try to offer lower rates. Business should start booming in no time.

Wash and Detail People’s Cars

Finally, you could offer car washing and detailing services. As long as you are thorough and professional, there’s no reason that you can’t make money doing this. People in your neighborhood will especially appreciate having such a convenient place to get their car washed, and they will enjoy supporting a young entrepreneur.

As you can see, earning money as a teen or young adult in today’s world requires a little initiative. Once you get started though, there’s no telling how far you can go.