Between school and chores, you might have a pretty booked schedule — especially once you add extracurricular activities into the mix. But although you're a busy teen with a lot on your plate, you might need extra cash. This way, you don't have to bum money off mom and dad when you’re ready to go shopping or have fun with your friends.
Here's a look at the best part-time jobs for busy teens.
If you have a hectic schedule and don't have a lot of time for work, consider earning a few bucks babysitting after school. Most schools let out around 3 PM, and since some parents don't get home until 5:30 or 6:00 PM, you can watch neighborhood kids for two or three hours before hitting the books.
If there's a local car wash in your area, stop by and fill out a job application. As a car wash attendant, you might work the cashier, dry vehicles after coming out the car wash, and provide other services. Your boss might be willing to offer flexible hours and work around your school and extracurricular activity schedule.
If you know how to work a lawn mower and edger, you can perhaps make extra cash cutting lawns in your neighborhood. Depending on the size of the yard, you might charge $20 or $30 per lawn. If you can cut two lawns an hour, that's $40 an hour on the low end. You can possibly drum up extra cash for the whole week by working just one or two days.
Most high school and college students work retail because of the flexible schedule. You can work mornings, afternoons, evenings or weekends based on your availability. With so many retail stores, it shouldn’t be too hard to find work. This might be the perfect job if you're a social butterfly who enjoys being around people.
Looking for a low-stress job that lets you work independent? If so, delivering pizzas between classes might be up your alley if you're at least 18. You'll need reliable transportation. If this isn't a problem, you can listen to music, spend your days outdoors and earn extra cash to support your college or high school lifestyle.
If you excel in a particular subject, why not tutor some of your classmates and earn extra cash? Some parents are willing to pay good money for their children to receive private tutoring, especially if they're falling behind in their classwork. You can offer 30-minute or one-hour sessions, and charge between $15 and $25 per session.
Maybe you don't like the idea of being tied to a work schedule and you prefer flexibility. If so, life as a freelancer might be perfect. Do you have excellent writing skills? You can look into freelancing for a print or online publication. Or if you have web design skills, you can assist companies with their websites and earn decent money.
When you’re a busy teen with a hectic, jam-packed schedule, finding time for a part-time job can be challenging. However, getting a part-time job can give you some financial independence. The key is finding the right opportunity given your circumstances.
What are other options for busy teens looking to earn money?