8 answers
Michael
Student
Hannibal, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
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How can I start remote working at 17?
What is a good way to get into remote working at age 17? I have finished everything I need for school and will graduate in December. I am looking to start working at home for now until I can find a certain career path.
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8 answers
Daion Lewis
Customer Support Coordinator
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Daion’s Answer
Look for internships; some companies or startups may offer flexible internships or remote assistant positions that are open to younger workers, especially if you’re organized and can communicate well.
Build your skills in the meantime: If you're not sure where to start, try learning in-demand tools (like Google Workspace, Canva, or Notion) or taking free online courses (on sites like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or YouTube). You can use those skills to land small jobs or gigs.
Build your skills in the meantime: If you're not sure where to start, try learning in-demand tools (like Google Workspace, Canva, or Notion) or taking free online courses (on sites like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or YouTube). You can use those skills to land small jobs or gigs.
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Michael !
Most likely you will need your High School Diploma to be hired by a company for remote work. For the next four months, obtain a Work Permit from your High School. Once you turn 18, you won't need the work permit.
My advice is to avoid all websites for online work that state you'll get paid for surveys, or any "jobs" that seem like they are website based and created. Look for online remote work from actual real companies that happen to have openings for remote positions. You can probably find jobs like this on Indeed or on Linked In and many other employment sites. You can also pick out some companies that you like and read their Employment Opportunities link on their website to see if there are any remote positions that you qualify for. In order to be assured of a real steady pay, you'll want to seek employment with companies that have existed and have an on site office or building.
Sometimes we have it in our mind exactly what we want in a work situation, but sometimes we have to be flexible. Consider looking for work on site in person, too. If you really need pay, you just may get quicker results applying for on site jobs, for example at a hospital, supermarket or retail or a food service.
You will have to apply for work that you are qualified to do, also. It's not so much to target online work, but more important that you are qualified for certain positions. There may be some customer service or data entry jobs you can apply for. Make sure that they are for actual companies offering remote work and not just website based. Also keep in mind that some in person jobs can evolve into being hybrid or work at home jobs, so try to be flexible and base what you apply for on what type of work you enjoy.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Most likely you will need your High School Diploma to be hired by a company for remote work. For the next four months, obtain a Work Permit from your High School. Once you turn 18, you won't need the work permit.
My advice is to avoid all websites for online work that state you'll get paid for surveys, or any "jobs" that seem like they are website based and created. Look for online remote work from actual real companies that happen to have openings for remote positions. You can probably find jobs like this on Indeed or on Linked In and many other employment sites. You can also pick out some companies that you like and read their Employment Opportunities link on their website to see if there are any remote positions that you qualify for. In order to be assured of a real steady pay, you'll want to seek employment with companies that have existed and have an on site office or building.
Sometimes we have it in our mind exactly what we want in a work situation, but sometimes we have to be flexible. Consider looking for work on site in person, too. If you really need pay, you just may get quicker results applying for on site jobs, for example at a hospital, supermarket or retail or a food service.
You will have to apply for work that you are qualified to do, also. It's not so much to target online work, but more important that you are qualified for certain positions. There may be some customer service or data entry jobs you can apply for. Make sure that they are for actual companies offering remote work and not just website based. Also keep in mind that some in person jobs can evolve into being hybrid or work at home jobs, so try to be flexible and base what you apply for on what type of work you enjoy.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle Schnob
Sales Enablement / Learning and Development
5
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Congrats on finishing school early Michael! That’s a big achievement! I got my first job at 16 (remote wasn’t an option back then), and I’ve now been working remotely for over a decade, so here’s my advice:
- Start with a strong resume. Even if you don’t have much formal work experience yet, think about what you have done: babysitting, a paper route, volunteering, clubs, or sports teams. All of that shows responsibility, teamwork, and initiative.
- Highlight ambition and coachability. Most employers hiring for junior roles aren’t expecting you to have years of experience, they want someone eager to learn, take feedback, and grow. Personally, I’d rather hire someone brand new who’s teachable than someone experienced who “knows it all.”
- Look for entry-level remote roles. Customer service (where I started my career!), data entry, tutoring, or virtual assistant jobs can be a good start. Just be cautious of scams, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Build your skills while you search. Free online courses (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, YouTube) can give you a head start in areas like Excel, communication, or even basic coding, skills that make your resume stand out.
The biggest thing is to show that you’re motivated, dependable, and ready to learn. With that attitude, you’ll open doors to your first remote role and build momentum for whatever career path comes next.
- Start with a strong resume. Even if you don’t have much formal work experience yet, think about what you have done: babysitting, a paper route, volunteering, clubs, or sports teams. All of that shows responsibility, teamwork, and initiative.
- Highlight ambition and coachability. Most employers hiring for junior roles aren’t expecting you to have years of experience, they want someone eager to learn, take feedback, and grow. Personally, I’d rather hire someone brand new who’s teachable than someone experienced who “knows it all.”
- Look for entry-level remote roles. Customer service (where I started my career!), data entry, tutoring, or virtual assistant jobs can be a good start. Just be cautious of scams, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Build your skills while you search. Free online courses (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, YouTube) can give you a head start in areas like Excel, communication, or even basic coding, skills that make your resume stand out.
The biggest thing is to show that you’re motivated, dependable, and ready to learn. With that attitude, you’ll open doors to your first remote role and build momentum for whatever career path comes next.
Jackson Lagerwey
Consulting
32
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jackson’s Answer
Hey Michael,
I think there are a few options you can consider for remote work. Here are some ideas:
1. Tutoring - If you are particularly strong in any subject (which I assume you are since you are on track to graduate early), you should look to do online tutoring. Look for some online forums or any opportunities in your local community to advertise your personal tutoring services. I did something similar with basketball coaching (although I did this in person), and highly recommend it since you have control of your own schedule and it is also quite a fulfilling form of work. You can conduct your tutoring over zoom , google meets, or other online platforms.
2. Small business online business support - I also think another great option would be to reach out to a bunch of small businesses (create an email template that you can personalize to each business) to see if you can help to provide services to them remotely. I guess this would be kind of like project based work, but I believe this would be a great source of income that would allow you to work asynchronously. For example, you can help a small business set up a website or perform other similar online tasks. I'd recommend using ChatGPT too to teach you how to setup a website or even have it set the entire website up for you.
3. Anything else entrepreneurial - Since you'll have a lot of time on your hands, you should also explore some other options like building your own small business in something your passionate about or for a great idea you have. This likely will take more time though and isn't guaranteed to make you money and carries risk as well.
Hope this helps!
I think there are a few options you can consider for remote work. Here are some ideas:
1. Tutoring - If you are particularly strong in any subject (which I assume you are since you are on track to graduate early), you should look to do online tutoring. Look for some online forums or any opportunities in your local community to advertise your personal tutoring services. I did something similar with basketball coaching (although I did this in person), and highly recommend it since you have control of your own schedule and it is also quite a fulfilling form of work. You can conduct your tutoring over zoom , google meets, or other online platforms.
2. Small business online business support - I also think another great option would be to reach out to a bunch of small businesses (create an email template that you can personalize to each business) to see if you can help to provide services to them remotely. I guess this would be kind of like project based work, but I believe this would be a great source of income that would allow you to work asynchronously. For example, you can help a small business set up a website or perform other similar online tasks. I'd recommend using ChatGPT too to teach you how to setup a website or even have it set the entire website up for you.
3. Anything else entrepreneurial - Since you'll have a lot of time on your hands, you should also explore some other options like building your own small business in something your passionate about or for a great idea you have. This likely will take more time though and isn't guaranteed to make you money and carries risk as well.
Hope this helps!
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Michael,
You don't need a degree to start your journey. Consider launching a business consultancy or applying for an internship, perhaps at a nearby college. You can also help university staff by researching online to answer their questions.
When I was young I was not the sharpest tool in the shed! But I did manage to get the undergraduate degree It's just that the people at university didn't tell me that I need to get 24 credit points to go to honors and bypass the Masters to get a PhD.
I'm pretty sure that you are going to invent a role for yourself in the milieu of things. I think it will involve entrepreneurship. There's no problem with helping disadvantaged people either!
Best wishes!
You don't need a degree to start your journey. Consider launching a business consultancy or applying for an internship, perhaps at a nearby college. You can also help university staff by researching online to answer their questions.
When I was young I was not the sharpest tool in the shed! But I did manage to get the undergraduate degree It's just that the people at university didn't tell me that I need to get 24 credit points to go to honors and bypass the Masters to get a PhD.
I'm pretty sure that you are going to invent a role for yourself in the milieu of things. I think it will involve entrepreneurship. There's no problem with helping disadvantaged people either!
Best wishes!
Tam Glover
Disability case Manager
4
Answers
Melbourne, Florida
Updated
Tam’s Answer
Finding a job as a teenager can be tough, so go easy on yourself. Many remote jobs ask for at least a high school diploma. While you work towards that diploma, consider trying in-person jobs like fast food or retail. These jobs will help you learn important skills that many remote companies value. This experience will make you more attractive to employers once you graduate.
Serine KHERBA
3
Answers
Updated
Serine’s Answer
At 17, you can start remote work by freelancing (graphic design, writing, social media), creating content (YouTube, TikTok, blogs), doing virtual assistant tasks, tutoring online, or selling products online. Build a small portfolio, start with small gigs, and get parental help if a site requires you to be 18. And if you have any skill you can make it stronger and make money out of it.
Jordan Lanham
Sales Consultant for Insurance
8
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Jordan’s Answer
Well done on finishing school early and setting new goals! You're off to a great start.
Consider becoming a virtual assistant. You can help business owners or individuals with tasks like managing emails, entering data, or handling social media.
Customer service and data entry are also excellent ways to gain experience.
You might also try online surveys to earn some money with small tasks in the meantime.
Get active on LinkedIn, update your profile and resume, and start connecting with others. You're on the right path!
Consider becoming a virtual assistant. You can help business owners or individuals with tasks like managing emails, entering data, or handling social media.
Customer service and data entry are also excellent ways to gain experience.
You might also try online surveys to earn some money with small tasks in the meantime.
Get active on LinkedIn, update your profile and resume, and start connecting with others. You're on the right path!