How to Earn Money As a Teen Who Can't Get a Job

Consider if you are able to work some odd jobs. If you have the time and permission, you might be able to work on the side or “under the table.”^[4] While these jobs typically don't have the long-term commitment that comes from traditional employment (or the regular paycheck), that can still be a good way to earn some extra money. If you are too young or don't have the time to take on a regular job, work on the side can still be lucrative.

Think about services you can offer for money. People need help doing all sorts of things, so you don't necessarily need to have a lot of experience or talent to make money from odd jobs. Common tasks people are willing to hire teens for include:^{[5] [6]}

• Babysitting (It will help to pass a CPR class or other certification, or to know parents with kids)
• Dog walking
• Pet sitting
• Plant sitting (watering and caring for plants while their owners are away)
• Yardwork (mowing, raking, trimming hedges, clearing yards, shoveling snow, cleaning gutters, etc.)
• Picking up groceries or run other errands for the elderly
• Doing chores for others (cleaning house, doing dishes, clearing out an attic, etc.)
• Washing cars
• Helping people pack and/or move

Use your talents. If you have a special ability or talent, you might be able to make money by using it. Performances, artwork, clothing and many other expressive outlets can be ways of bringing in some cash. For instance, you could make money by: ^{[7] [8]}

• Busking (singing, playing an instrument, juggling, etc. on a street; make sure it is one where lots of people walk by, and where you have permission to perform)
• Singing at weddings
• Performing at parties (making balloon animals, doing magic tricks, etc.)
• Making T-Shirts
• Selling baked goods, candy, lemonade, etc.
• Woodworking (furniture, birdhouses, etc.)
• Selling crafts you make (art, knitted or sewn items, etc.) on sites such as Etsy, at craft fairs and farmers' markets, etc.

Sell your knowledge. If you have knowledge of a subject or ability that is in demand, you might be able to make money by using it to help others, or by teaching others.^{[9] [10]}

• If you are knowledgeable about technology, you could try helping others with computer problems for money.
• If you do well in school, you could earn money by tutoring students in subjects (math, science, foreign languages, history, writing, etc.)
• If you are knowledgeable in an area such as music or swimming, you could give lessons to others for money.
• If you can prove your knowledge or ability, you will have an easier time making money from it. For instance, if you want to tutor students, you should mention your high grades in the subject(s) you offer. Likewise, if want to teach music lessons, you should mention how many years you have studied, and/or your accomplishments in the area.

Decide how much to charge for your items or services. You can set a price for your items that is based either on market demand, or what you think they are worth. If offering services, you will have to decide if you will choose a flat fee or request payment by the hour.

• For instance, you might charge a flat fee of $100 to mow a neighbor's yard, or $25 per hour to do it; you can earn more charging by the hour in this case if it takes more than four hours to mow the lawn.

Advertise. You will also need to find people with tasks that need doing, or let them know about services you offer. For instance, you could have parents or adult friends spread the word, post an advertisement on a bulletin board or online, or go door-to-door in your neighborhood). You can also post a list of things you are offering to help with, such as babysitting, yardwork, or tutoring.

Take online surveys. There are ways of making money by taking surveys online.^[11] Merchants use survey responses to find ways of better marketing their products and/or services. Usually, the amount you earn per survey is very low, but it can add up over time.

• Not all surveys are available to those under 18.
• Beware of scams, such as survey sites that ask you to pay a fee or enter credit card information to sign up.

Use apps that earn you money. Certain apps will pay you to do things like scan barcodes of products in stores or take surveys.^[12] As with online surveys:

• The amount you can earn per task is usually low, but can add up.
• Some tasks might not be available to those under 18.
• Beware of scams, such as money-earning apps that ask you to pay a fee or enter credit card information to sign up.

Earn money via blogging and social media. It is difficult but not impossible to earn money online by attracting people to your social media.^{[13] [14] [15]} For instance, blogging about books, DVDs, etc. can earn you money if readers buy these items from participating retails by clicking links on your site. Likewise, if you start earn enough followers or visitors to your social media site, merchants might pay you to advertise on your site or profile. Some programs will allow you to sign up to show ads on your site to potentially earn money.

• Normally, you will need very high numbers of followers or visitors in order to make money this way. It will help if your social media profile or content is unique and useful or interesting to others.

Borrow money. When you need money and don't have another way to get it, you can always ask to borrow some from family or friends, like many teens do. You are more likely to get them to agree if you can say the specific purpose for the money, and tell them when you will be able to pay it back.

Ask your parent or guardian to give you money. Asking your parents for an allowance isn't always easy to do. However, they might be more likely to agree if you have been doing well at home and school, and if you offer to do chores or something else in return for the allowance.^[16]