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So, I am 14 years old. And I want a job, but I don't exactly know what to do. I want something that will help me start off strong before I go to college. Does anyone have any ideas or advice? I'm grateful for anything.
I'm preparing to graduate early, and need a jump start.
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4 answers
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Amy!
I Know You Would Rather Be An Entrepreneur!
These are the sorts of jobs suitable for you at 14-years-old:-
1. Pet Sitter
2. Babysitter
3. YouTube Creator
4. House Cleaner
5. Gardener
6. Fence Painter
7. Video Game Streamer
8. Garage Cleaner
9. Tutor
10. Hobby Coach
11. Yard Sale Helper
12. Junior Camp Counselor
13. Model
14. Tech Support
15. Elderly Helper
16. Artist
17. Bike or Skateboard Mechanic
18. Car Washer
19. Organizer
20. Voice Actor
21. Produce Picker
22. Farmhand
23. Mowing
24. Food delivery
25. Selling lemonade.
I Know You Would Rather Be An Entrepreneur!
These are the sorts of jobs suitable for you at 14-years-old:-
1. Pet Sitter
2. Babysitter
3. YouTube Creator
4. House Cleaner
5. Gardener
6. Fence Painter
7. Video Game Streamer
8. Garage Cleaner
9. Tutor
10. Hobby Coach
11. Yard Sale Helper
12. Junior Camp Counselor
13. Model
14. Tech Support
15. Elderly Helper
16. Artist
17. Bike or Skateboard Mechanic
18. Car Washer
19. Organizer
20. Voice Actor
21. Produce Picker
22. Farmhand
23. Mowing
24. Food delivery
25. Selling lemonade.
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Great question! There are many possibilities for jobs if you can be flexible and willing to try new things. Think about what you can do for friends, relatives or neighbors such as child care, gardening, running errands or house cleaning. While not glamorous, every experience is something you can add to your list of skills and accomplishments.
I would also suggest volunteering for a variety of events and/or causes. There are some things you can do just once to see what it's like, such as serving a meal to the homeless or participating in a non-profit's event. The exposure you will gain to different people, cultures, and organizations can be valuable.
With every good wish and many blessings.
I would also suggest volunteering for a variety of events and/or causes. There are some things you can do just once to see what it's like, such as serving a meal to the homeless or participating in a non-profit's event. The exposure you will gain to different people, cultures, and organizations can be valuable.
With every good wish and many blessings.
Updated
Haley’s Answer
Hi Amy! At 14, most jobs won’t tie directly to a future career, but they can build essential skills that apply anywhere, such as staying organized, communicating clearly, managing tasks and working well with others. I recommend looking for jobs at local businesses or, if money is not a factor, volunteering with a local organization or non-profit. These experiences teach responsibility and give you a strong foundation for whatever path you choose later. Reach out to your network (friends, family members, neighbors and teachers) to see if they know anyone looking for help, or check community boards/postings at libraries, schools, and local stores. You can also explore online platforms that list teen-friendly jobs or volunteer openings. My first job (after babysitting) was at my local dry cleaners. The lessons I learned there and in other customer service jobs (waitressing, server at an ice cream shop, etc.) about how to manage people and "manage up" stayed with me all these years later. The same is true for all of the volunteer work I did in high school - and I even wrote my primary college admissions essay about one of the experiences I had while volunteering. Good luck!
Updated
Prema’s Answer
Hi Amy,
It's good to see you have goals at such a young age. It is strategic that will pay off in the longer run.
As Haley said, every job will work into future experience. They all teach different things to us and help us grow. You might even be surprised that those experiences will help pivot you to something even greater. So, my first thought is, while its good to be focused on the 'perfect' job, every job will give you the experience you need. You may be interested in STEM for example, but working in a local burger place teaches you a lot about working with people, building social skills, the importance of routine.
I would also recommend finding places that are adjacent to what you think you are interested in being in the future. If you are interested in working in software, i know people who let their friends and family know and built websites, or came up with apps that helped a business. Interested in the medical field, offer to work in organizations that are close to what you would like to do. That might also help you figure out how much you do want to be in that field. An experience at a lab, let my daughter know that it wasn't the type of environment she saw herself in. There are others who fell in love with helping people.
Since you are unsure, I would recommend writing up 2 lists - what I think I want to do? What am I good at? And then find work that is adjacent to both. And find jobs close to them.
In the meanwhile, coaching, teaching, working retail, working in the neighborhood with mowing, babysitting, all these are good options.
If a job doesn't come easy, volunteer. This will build work experience.
Good Luck!
It's good to see you have goals at such a young age. It is strategic that will pay off in the longer run.
As Haley said, every job will work into future experience. They all teach different things to us and help us grow. You might even be surprised that those experiences will help pivot you to something even greater. So, my first thought is, while its good to be focused on the 'perfect' job, every job will give you the experience you need. You may be interested in STEM for example, but working in a local burger place teaches you a lot about working with people, building social skills, the importance of routine.
I would also recommend finding places that are adjacent to what you think you are interested in being in the future. If you are interested in working in software, i know people who let their friends and family know and built websites, or came up with apps that helped a business. Interested in the medical field, offer to work in organizations that are close to what you would like to do. That might also help you figure out how much you do want to be in that field. An experience at a lab, let my daughter know that it wasn't the type of environment she saw herself in. There are others who fell in love with helping people.
Since you are unsure, I would recommend writing up 2 lists - what I think I want to do? What am I good at? And then find work that is adjacent to both. And find jobs close to them.
In the meanwhile, coaching, teaching, working retail, working in the neighborhood with mowing, babysitting, all these are good options.
If a job doesn't come easy, volunteer. This will build work experience.
Good Luck!