3 answers
Ramon
Student
Akron, Ohio
1
Question
3 answers
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
563
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hey Ramon, at your age the best thing you can do is start building skills that will pay off now and later. Classic options like lawn mowing, car washing, pet sitting, or helping neighbors with errands are great ways to start earning right away, but I'd also encourage you to think about building skills that scale. For example, a huge part of my career has been working with data, building reports, and solving problems using technology, and a lot of those skills are things you can start learning for free right now through YouTube or free online courses. If you're into computers, you could learn basic graphic design or video editing and offer those services to small businesses or people in your community. If you're more of a people person, you could start a small reselling business buying things cheap at garage sales and selling them online with a parent's help. The real key is that whatever you do, treat it like a real business: track your money, learn from what works and what doesn't, and always look for ways to improve. Throughout my career I've picked up certifications and that habit of constantly learning and adding new skills started way before my first job. Even something as simple as learning Excel or basic coding right now could set you apart from everyone else your age and open doors you don't even know about yet. Start small, stay consistent, and reinvest in yourself. You're already ahead of the game just by asking this question!
Malisa Gill
Sr. Director, Audit, Controls & Complaince
43
Answers
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Updated
Malisa’s Answer
It's great that you're thinking about your future and taking action. This shows curiosity and drive, which are key to success. You're already on the right track by asking questions.
Start by considering what interests you. Early jobs like working in fast food, retail, or customer service teach important skills like discipline, responsibility, and teamwork. These jobs are essential and help you build a strong work ethic.
With the internet, you can also explore creative and entrepreneurial options. Depending on what you enjoy, you could try content creation, website design, graphic design, tutoring, or selling handmade items online. These paths require initiative and sometimes a small investment, but they offer valuable learning experiences.
Think about what kind of work you want. Do you prefer a traditional job or something you can do from home? Consider how much time you have and what skills you want to develop. A school counselor or trusted adult can help you understand local job opportunities and legal requirements.
Remember, taxes are part of earning money. You might need to report your income depending on what you earn. This is a normal part of working and learning about finances. An adult can help you understand what applies to you.
Choose something that sparks your interest, builds your skills, and keeps learning enjoyable. You don't need to have everything figured out now—each step teaches you something valuable.
I hope you find a path that excites you and builds your confidence. I'm cheering for you!
Start by considering what interests you. Early jobs like working in fast food, retail, or customer service teach important skills like discipline, responsibility, and teamwork. These jobs are essential and help you build a strong work ethic.
With the internet, you can also explore creative and entrepreneurial options. Depending on what you enjoy, you could try content creation, website design, graphic design, tutoring, or selling handmade items online. These paths require initiative and sometimes a small investment, but they offer valuable learning experiences.
Think about what kind of work you want. Do you prefer a traditional job or something you can do from home? Consider how much time you have and what skills you want to develop. A school counselor or trusted adult can help you understand local job opportunities and legal requirements.
Remember, taxes are part of earning money. You might need to report your income depending on what you earn. This is a normal part of working and learning about finances. An adult can help you understand what applies to you.
Choose something that sparks your interest, builds your skills, and keeps learning enjoyable. You don't need to have everything figured out now—each step teaches you something valuable.
I hope you find a path that excites you and builds your confidence. I'm cheering for you!
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1209
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Ramon,
It's great that you want to start making money, but you need to comply with child labor laws in your state. In Ohio, the minimum age to hold a job is 14 and between the ages of 14 and 17 you'll need a work permit. There are also restrictions as to how many hours you are allowed to work and in what occupations. Few exceptions exist for things like newspaper delivery, babysitting or helping in a business or farm owned by your family.
At your age, your best bet might be to start in your neighborhood or through your parents and their friends. You can offer help with gardening or cleaning up a yard, babysitting or pet sitting or other occasional jobs. If you are computer savvy, helping with computer problems might be an option too.
You can also sell stuff. If you are creative, you could make things and sell them. You could make digital products, like creating personal web pages for people. You could look through your stuff, sort out what you don't need any more and sell that.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/com.ohio.gov/documents/laws_MLLPoster.pdf
It's great that you want to start making money, but you need to comply with child labor laws in your state. In Ohio, the minimum age to hold a job is 14 and between the ages of 14 and 17 you'll need a work permit. There are also restrictions as to how many hours you are allowed to work and in what occupations. Few exceptions exist for things like newspaper delivery, babysitting or helping in a business or farm owned by your family.
At your age, your best bet might be to start in your neighborhood or through your parents and their friends. You can offer help with gardening or cleaning up a yard, babysitting or pet sitting or other occasional jobs. If you are computer savvy, helping with computer problems might be an option too.
You can also sell stuff. If you are creative, you could make things and sell them. You could make digital products, like creating personal web pages for people. You could look through your stuff, sort out what you don't need any more and sell that.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: