5 answers
Rose
Student
Kingman, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
349 views
How can I get a job I’m 13?
So my grandma might have to go to the hospital but if she dose then grandpa has to get a real job cus his job is to take care of her and I wanna get a job to help I’m 13 and my grandparents can’t know I’m getting a job
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5 answers
Mansi Patel
Software engineer
2
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Mansi’s Answer
Hi Rose, I’m really sorry your family is going through that. It’s very sweet that you want to help your grandparents, but please don’t try to get a secret job or meet up with strangers for work. You’re only 13, and your safety matters most.
At your age, a “real job” at a store or restaurant might not be allowed yet, but you could still help in smaller, safer ways. Maybe ask a trusted adult if you can do things like pet sitting, lawn mowing, yard work, dog walking, helping neighbors your family already knows, washing cars, watering plants, or doing small chores for a little money.
Even if you don’t want your grandparents to know, please tell some safe adult what’s going on — maybe a teacher, school counselor, aunt/uncle, family friend, or someone at church/community. They may know ways to help your family with food, bills, rides, or hospital support.
It’s really kind of you to want to help, but you shouldn’t have to handle this alone. Your job right now is to stay safe, stay in school, and ask a trusted adult for help.
At your age, a “real job” at a store or restaurant might not be allowed yet, but you could still help in smaller, safer ways. Maybe ask a trusted adult if you can do things like pet sitting, lawn mowing, yard work, dog walking, helping neighbors your family already knows, washing cars, watering plants, or doing small chores for a little money.
Even if you don’t want your grandparents to know, please tell some safe adult what’s going on — maybe a teacher, school counselor, aunt/uncle, family friend, or someone at church/community. They may know ways to help your family with food, bills, rides, or hospital support.
It’s really kind of you to want to help, but you shouldn’t have to handle this alone. Your job right now is to stay safe, stay in school, and ask a trusted adult for help.
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
316
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
When you're 13, it's a great time to try jobs that don't need you to be officially hired by a company. You can babysit, take care of pets, walk dogs, mow lawns, tutor younger kids, help neighbors with tech stuff, wash cars, or sell crafts if you're creative. If you like doing hair, practice on friends or family to get better and maybe turn it into something bigger later. Let people around you know you're looking for small jobs. Many first jobs come from family, friends, neighbors, teachers, and community groups.
It's also smart to learn skills while you earn. Things like talking to people, being responsible, customer service, and handling money are useful no matter what you do later. Even if you don't make much at first, starting at 13 gives you a big advantage because you're gaining experience while others might not be thinking about it yet.
It's also smart to learn skills while you earn. Things like talking to people, being responsible, customer service, and handling money are useful no matter what you do later. Even if you don't make much at first, starting at 13 gives you a big advantage because you're gaining experience while others might not be thinking about it yet.
Cris Silva
9
Answers
Updated
Cris’s Answer
Hi Rose, the fact that you want to help your family says so much about you. That's really special.
There may be some small, safe ways to earn a little money at your age — but please make sure any work you do is with people your family already knows and trusts, and that a trusted adult is aware.
More importantly: you don't have to carry this alone. If your grandma goes to the hospital, ask about the social work team there — hospitals usually have one, and they exist exactly for situations like yours. They can help your family find support you might not even know is available.
And if you can, be transparent with a trusted adult in your family about what you're feeling. You're clearly someone who cares deeply — let the people around you show up for you too.
Take care of yourself!
There may be some small, safe ways to earn a little money at your age — but please make sure any work you do is with people your family already knows and trusts, and that a trusted adult is aware.
More importantly: you don't have to carry this alone. If your grandma goes to the hospital, ask about the social work team there — hospitals usually have one, and they exist exactly for situations like yours. They can help your family find support you might not even know is available.
And if you can, be transparent with a trusted adult in your family about what you're feeling. You're clearly someone who cares deeply — let the people around you show up for you too.
Take care of yourself!
Suzanne Sorkin
Retired family physician and medical educator
168
Answers
Traverse City, Michigan
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
I agree with what Mansi has said, Rose. If your grandma goes into the hospital, you or your grandpa can let her nurse or the hospital social worker know what is going on. There may be help available for your family which they can arrange. Your speaking up may be the most helpful thing you can do right now.
Tom Milne
Head of Alliances & Channels - APC
1
Answer
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Hi there, I'm sorry to hear things are tough for your family right now. One idea that might help is setting up a GoFundMe page to raise some extra money. I believe many people would love to support you. From what you shared, it seems like you have amazing emotional intelligence. A job working with people could be a perfect fit for you. Wishing you all the best!