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Hi im 14 years old, looking for a job. It can be after school, 5-7, or full-time during the weekends. My parents are okay with me looking for a job. Im good with animals and kids.?
Im from Gairfield Ridge, speak both English and Spanish
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7 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sarahi !
It is very commendable that you are already thinking about starting to work at age 14 ! That is a step in a good direction !
The first advice I have for you to obtain employment with no experience or work history would be to apply for the Chicago Summer Youth Employment Program. You're going to have to apply the minute applications open because these programs fill up fast. This program will place you in a job and also provide job readiness training, financial literacy workshops, and supportive services. That will serve as a very important foundation moving forward. The applications are usually and have been available previously in early March. This would be for jobs from June till August, but you have to try to apply as soon as the applications are available.
For application availability for Chicago's Summer Youth Employment Program, keep checking the website called One Summer Chicago (link to this website is below), especially at the end of February into the beginning of March. The dates for the Summer 2026 applications have not been announced yet.
If you want something during the school year, the Chicagobility program is for ages 14 to 15, offering a six-week project based learning experience that builds workforce readiness, career skills, and financial literacy while providing a weekly stipend of $75. Another program is The My CHI. My Future. Micro-Grants program which is also year round. BUILD Chicago connects teens with summer and year round jobs, stipends, and training in areas like farming, crafts, and community projects. Do not hesitate to ask your high school Guidance Counselor or Social Worker about these programs. It's a sure way to obtain a first job, especially with not having experience yet. There are additional programs for employment in Chicago once you turn 16.
Since you intend to start working, you will need to visit your school's office and ask about getting a work permit. You are able to legally work in Illinois at age 14. You can apply to and wait to hear back from places like retail stores, food service, office work, and newspaper delivery.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION AT ONE SUMMER CHICAGO WEBSITE www.onesummerchicago.org
It is very commendable that you are already thinking about starting to work at age 14 ! That is a step in a good direction !
The first advice I have for you to obtain employment with no experience or work history would be to apply for the Chicago Summer Youth Employment Program. You're going to have to apply the minute applications open because these programs fill up fast. This program will place you in a job and also provide job readiness training, financial literacy workshops, and supportive services. That will serve as a very important foundation moving forward. The applications are usually and have been available previously in early March. This would be for jobs from June till August, but you have to try to apply as soon as the applications are available.
For application availability for Chicago's Summer Youth Employment Program, keep checking the website called One Summer Chicago (link to this website is below), especially at the end of February into the beginning of March. The dates for the Summer 2026 applications have not been announced yet.
If you want something during the school year, the Chicagobility program is for ages 14 to 15, offering a six-week project based learning experience that builds workforce readiness, career skills, and financial literacy while providing a weekly stipend of $75. Another program is The My CHI. My Future. Micro-Grants program which is also year round. BUILD Chicago connects teens with summer and year round jobs, stipends, and training in areas like farming, crafts, and community projects. Do not hesitate to ask your high school Guidance Counselor or Social Worker about these programs. It's a sure way to obtain a first job, especially with not having experience yet. There are additional programs for employment in Chicago once you turn 16.
Since you intend to start working, you will need to visit your school's office and ask about getting a work permit. You are able to legally work in Illinois at age 14. You can apply to and wait to hear back from places like retail stores, food service, office work, and newspaper delivery.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Sarahi,
It's wonderful that you are looking for your first work experiences. At your age, the common jobs are in fast food, retail, garden services, babysitting and tutoring. Since you are good with kids and animals, babysitting and/or pet sitting might be good flexible options.
You can get started by attending a babysitting course and possibly a CPR course and get certified. You can find your first clients in your neighborhood, among your parents' friends and acquaintances. Make up a flier to advertise your services too. There are a also babysitting and pet sitting agencies where you can get registered.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.redcross.org/local/illinois/take-a-class/babysitting-chicago-il
https://www.falconcpr.com/training/babysitting/
It's wonderful that you are looking for your first work experiences. At your age, the common jobs are in fast food, retail, garden services, babysitting and tutoring. Since you are good with kids and animals, babysitting and/or pet sitting might be good flexible options.
You can get started by attending a babysitting course and possibly a CPR course and get certified. You can find your first clients in your neighborhood, among your parents' friends and acquaintances. Make up a flier to advertise your services too. There are a also babysitting and pet sitting agencies where you can get registered.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
My very first job was a mentorship program through the school I went to. We would help elementary school kids with their homework and got a small stipend. I would highly recommend checking in with your school to see if there are any programs along those lines available.
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Irelis’s Answer
Some jobs are for 16+ or 18+ but it depends on the state or country you live in, but I do suggest building a career experience first like volunteering, internship or training like starting small; for example like babysitting your family member, pets or your neighborhood if they have their own child or pets.
I think volunteering in the farm, zoo or community pet store might be be great option as well too.
So you don’t get too stressed about working and school since it is hard to balance out when you have to work under pressure but once you get settled, it easier to transition to the working field.
You can major into field in trade school, college or university for zoology, psychology to become into treating the children/teens or doing education field to teach/tutor for kids and adolescents as well too.
Good luck and hope for the best in the future.
I think volunteering in the farm, zoo or community pet store might be be great option as well too.
So you don’t get too stressed about working and school since it is hard to balance out when you have to work under pressure but once you get settled, it easier to transition to the working field.
You can major into field in trade school, college or university for zoology, psychology to become into treating the children/teens or doing education field to teach/tutor for kids and adolescents as well too.
Good luck and hope for the best in the future.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Understand your parents are ok for you to work, please also check it is allowed under the labour law in your country.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Check any working opportunities in the school, eg library, administration, etc.
2. Speak with your neighbours whether they need anyone to help, eg baby sitting, gardening, etc.
3. Explore any working opportunities in the neighborhood, eg education centre, groceries, etc.
4. Consider to work in chain stores, eg supermarket, fast food shops, etc.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Check any working opportunities in the school, eg library, administration, etc.
2. Speak with your neighbours whether they need anyone to help, eg baby sitting, gardening, etc.
3. Explore any working opportunities in the neighborhood, eg education centre, groceries, etc.
4. Consider to work in chain stores, eg supermarket, fast food shops, etc.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
For 14–15-year-olds, job options are usually part-time and limited by labor laws, but there are still good choices. Common jobs include babysitting, pet sitting/dog walking, lawn care or snow shoveling, and tutoring younger students if you’re strong in a subject. Some businesses legally hire at 14, such as grocery stores (bagger, cart attendant, cashier assistant), restaurants (host/hostess, busser, counter service), movie theaters, ice cream or coffee shops, and retail stores with junior positions. You can also do camp or recreation aide roles, lifeguarding (with certification, often at 15), or family business work. Online options may include content moderation for kids’ platforms, selling crafts/art, or basic freelance work with parent permission. Availability depends on local laws, so it’s smart to check your state’s rules and ask employers directly.
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Mario’s Answer
Hola Sarahi,
Happy 2026!!!
I appreciate your concern and I'm glad you're considering exploring job opportunities at this early stage.
I recommend researching ways to give back, as it's a great way to create a win-win situation. By doing so, you can start building relationships that may benefit your career. As was mentioned before, depending on the labor laws in each state, you might be able to contribute some funds if you also look into internship programs with companies that align with your profile.
The most important advice is to keep researching and never give up!!!
Mario R
Happy 2026!!!
I appreciate your concern and I'm glad you're considering exploring job opportunities at this early stage.
I recommend researching ways to give back, as it's a great way to create a win-win situation. By doing so, you can start building relationships that may benefit your career. As was mentioned before, depending on the labor laws in each state, you might be able to contribute some funds if you also look into internship programs with companies that align with your profile.
The most important advice is to keep researching and never give up!!!
Mario R