3 answers
Owen
Student
Ramsey, Minnesota
5
Questions
Asked
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What is the best way to make as much money as possible right out of high school?
What is the best way to make as much money as possible right out of high school to help prepare for college/future career?
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3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Owen!
I love that you're thinking ahead and want to set yourself up for success after high school. Making money early on is not just about working hard but also working smart.
If you're looking to save for college or other future goals, juggling multiple jobs can be a game changer. It doesn't have to be two full-time gigs. You could do something like a retail job or working in a restaurant, where you get tips. Those extra dollars add up fast! Plus, customer service experience looks great on resumes, and you'll develop communication skills that help in almost any career. On the flip side, doing a physical job like construction or working for delivery services might earn you more in a short time, but just be cautious about the wear and tear on your body. You don’t want to burn out too early!
Freelancing is another cool way to make money, especially if you have a knack for creative stuff like writing, graphic design, or digital marketing. A lot of people make a good chunk of change working for themselves without needing to work 9 to 5. Websites like Fiverr or Upwork are perfect for getting started, but you could also reach out to local businesses and offer your skills. Even doing something like social media management for a small local shop could be really rewarding and help build your resume.
And don’t forget scholarships! They can be a huge boost. There’s so much free money out there, and applying to as many as possible could seriously lighten the financial load for college. FAFSA, of course, is essential if you’re planning to go to a university—it’s the gateway to federal aid, and a lot of schools use it to determine what financial help you might qualify for.
One thing I want to emphasize is managing your expenses while you're earning. Sometimes it’s not just about how much you make, but how much you keep. Budgeting, meal prepping, and using public transportation can make a huge difference in how much you’re able to save, especially when you’re working and preparing for school at the same time.
Ultimately, though, don’t forget to have fun. The summer after high school is such an exciting time, and while preparing for college is important, it’s equally important to enjoy your last bit of freedom before everything gets more hectic.
If any part of this feels like too much, it’s all about finding balance. You can take things one step at a time, and you’ll find a rhythm that works for you.
Good luck, and just keep pushing forward! You've got this Owen!
I love that you're thinking ahead and want to set yourself up for success after high school. Making money early on is not just about working hard but also working smart.
If you're looking to save for college or other future goals, juggling multiple jobs can be a game changer. It doesn't have to be two full-time gigs. You could do something like a retail job or working in a restaurant, where you get tips. Those extra dollars add up fast! Plus, customer service experience looks great on resumes, and you'll develop communication skills that help in almost any career. On the flip side, doing a physical job like construction or working for delivery services might earn you more in a short time, but just be cautious about the wear and tear on your body. You don’t want to burn out too early!
Freelancing is another cool way to make money, especially if you have a knack for creative stuff like writing, graphic design, or digital marketing. A lot of people make a good chunk of change working for themselves without needing to work 9 to 5. Websites like Fiverr or Upwork are perfect for getting started, but you could also reach out to local businesses and offer your skills. Even doing something like social media management for a small local shop could be really rewarding and help build your resume.
And don’t forget scholarships! They can be a huge boost. There’s so much free money out there, and applying to as many as possible could seriously lighten the financial load for college. FAFSA, of course, is essential if you’re planning to go to a university—it’s the gateway to federal aid, and a lot of schools use it to determine what financial help you might qualify for.
One thing I want to emphasize is managing your expenses while you're earning. Sometimes it’s not just about how much you make, but how much you keep. Budgeting, meal prepping, and using public transportation can make a huge difference in how much you’re able to save, especially when you’re working and preparing for school at the same time.
Ultimately, though, don’t forget to have fun. The summer after high school is such an exciting time, and while preparing for college is important, it’s equally important to enjoy your last bit of freedom before everything gets more hectic.
If any part of this feels like too much, it’s all about finding balance. You can take things one step at a time, and you’ll find a rhythm that works for you.
Good luck, and just keep pushing forward! You've got this Owen!
Isabel Lozano
Social worker/Clinical Supervisor
3
Answers
Aberdeen, Maryland
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Hi Owen!
Hm I'm wondering first, do you mean you are wanting to save up money before you start your college in the fall? OR are you taking a long break to save money and then go to college once you've saved enough?
Say you are trying to save money soon as you get out of high school to go to college in the next couple months, there are some ways you can build money. You can work 1-2 jobs, this is common for people but please don't overwork yourself and take care of your mental health. Since you''ll be out of school and I'm assuming you'll be over 18 so you can work regular hours, this will help. You can find a heavy lifting job that typically pays the most for this short while and I say a short while because Im afraid these kinds jobs aren't the most sustainable due to the strain they can put on a body. You can also find a waiting job or any job that offers tips to give you the chance to save that extra money on the side.
If you are taking a longer break in between high school and college, you can budget and save as much money as you can. Use paper/online coupons, make meals at home, take public transit/carpool, even get a savings account to earn interest. Just a reminder too this job will be your stepping stone to your next job after that, you might get more benefit out of it if you pick a job that is similar or transferable to what your future career is.
I do also want to add that there might be other ways you can make money without the added pressure. For example, you can apply for scholarships (typically your high school and college have some you can apply for as well), grants through FAFSA. You can also work for the college you are going to this such as the work study program.
I know this is a privilege for some, but don't forget to also have fun. This is your last summer before college and then your path to the adult world. Enjoy it :) good luck!
Hm I'm wondering first, do you mean you are wanting to save up money before you start your college in the fall? OR are you taking a long break to save money and then go to college once you've saved enough?
Say you are trying to save money soon as you get out of high school to go to college in the next couple months, there are some ways you can build money. You can work 1-2 jobs, this is common for people but please don't overwork yourself and take care of your mental health. Since you''ll be out of school and I'm assuming you'll be over 18 so you can work regular hours, this will help. You can find a heavy lifting job that typically pays the most for this short while and I say a short while because Im afraid these kinds jobs aren't the most sustainable due to the strain they can put on a body. You can also find a waiting job or any job that offers tips to give you the chance to save that extra money on the side.
If you are taking a longer break in between high school and college, you can budget and save as much money as you can. Use paper/online coupons, make meals at home, take public transit/carpool, even get a savings account to earn interest. Just a reminder too this job will be your stepping stone to your next job after that, you might get more benefit out of it if you pick a job that is similar or transferable to what your future career is.
I do also want to add that there might be other ways you can make money without the added pressure. For example, you can apply for scholarships (typically your high school and college have some you can apply for as well), grants through FAFSA. You can also work for the college you are going to this such as the work study program.
I know this is a privilege for some, but don't forget to also have fun. This is your last summer before college and then your path to the adult world. Enjoy it :) good luck!
Sir Flyer
Design, Entertainment and sport coaching
18
Answers
Zürich, Switzerland
Updated
Sir’s Answer
Owen, Dr. H and Isabel gave you the whole game plan. Work smart, not just hard. Fast cash comes from tips and heavy lifting. Freelance if you've got the skills.
Money moves faster when you're stacking jobs, but your body and mind have limits. Scholarships aren't extra—they're income without clocking in. Budget like you're broke, even when you're not.
This summer isn't just about saving. It's about setting the pace for everything that comes next.
Money moves faster when you're stacking jobs, but your body and mind have limits. Scholarships aren't extra—they're income without clocking in. Budget like you're broke, even when you're not.
This summer isn't just about saving. It's about setting the pace for everything that comes next.