Getting a jobs for 14 year olds may seem like a mission, but it’s a chance that most teenagers would love to try out. With increased autonomy and a passion to earn their own cash, most young teens are seeking avenues to acquire work experience. So, what can you get at 14? Let’s find out what’s out there and the regulations surrounding teen work.
Understanding Teen Employment Laws
Before getting into actual job choices, it is necessary to understand the laws that affect teens in the workplace. In most nations, there are stringent labor laws that ensure young workers are not taken advantage of and that their education is not sacrificed.
In the US, for instance, employment of minors is regulated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). At 14, adolescents can work, but there are restrictions on the kind of work they can perform and the number of hours they can work. In most cases, 14-year-olds can work:
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Not more than 3 hours during a school day
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Not more than 18 hours per week when school is in session
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Up to 8 hours on non-school days
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Up to 40 hours during non-school weeks
The work must also not entail dangerous work or handle dangerous equipment. Keeping these laws in mind, let us now examine some of the most popular jobs open to 14-year-olds.
1. Babysitting
One of the most common teenager jobs is babysitting. It’s a good job that is flexible and doesn’t need to be done within a set amount of time or with much schooling. Babysitters are expected to care for children when the parents are gone. This can include keeping them safe, doing homework with them, making food, and in some cases playing with them.
To succeed at babysitting, it is a plus to have some experience with younger siblings or relatives. It is also helpful to take a babysitting course, like one taught by the American Red Cross, which can teach you valuable skills, such as first aid and CPR.
2. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
For animal enthusiasts, pet sitting or dog walking can be a rewarding and fun work. Pet sitting is caring for someone’s pets when they’re away, including feeding, playing, and making the pets feel at home. Likewise, dog walking is an excellent means to stay fit while getting paid. Both of these work opportunities are flexible and can be worked on your own schedule.
Word of mouth works best in finding dog walking or pet sitting opportunities, so begin by providing services for neighbors, friends, or relatives. You may also post on neighborhood bulletin boards or websites such as Craigslist.
3. Tutoring
If you are good at a specific subject, tutoring is an excellent career for a 14-year-old. Assisting younger students with homework or studying for exams can be a great way to earn money. You don’t require a formal degree to tutor, but you need to be an expert in the subject you’re tutoring and can explain the material in a manner that is easy for others to grasp.
You can provide tutoring services in any subject such as mathematics, English, science, or even music. Tutoring is usually conducted on an individual basis, so there is flexibility in scheduling. You can begin by providing your services to friends and family, or by local advertising.
4. Lawn Care and Yard Work
Cutting grass, collecting leaves, and performing other yard chores can be a great opportunity for 14-year-olds, particularly during the summer. Lawn care work is well-paying and can be accomplished on a flexible schedule. Begin by offering your services to family and neighbors and build your customer base over time.
If you’re looking to make this a regular business, be sure to set competitive rates, offer packages for repeat clients, and maintain a professional attitude. Yard work is a great option because it often doesn’t require much experience or specialized training.
5. Retail Jobs (Limited Opportunities)
Although most retail work is inaccessible to 14-year-olds due to legal reasons, there can be exceptions on a location-and-store basis. Some small stores in a given area, for instance, would consider hiring a 14-year-old for elementary tasks such as stocking shelves, bagging, or assisting customers.
However, larger retailers and chains typically require employees to be 16 or older due to labor laws. If you’re interested in working in retail, consider looking for opportunities at small businesses in your community or inquire about summer job openings, which sometimes have more lenient age restrictions.
6. Newspaper Delivery
Newspaper delivery is one of the traditional jobs that many young adolescents get to earn money. The work entails bringing newspapers to front doors on a daily basis, usually early in the morning. The work can be physically taxing, but it also has the advantage of being able to work alone and at your own rate.
The newspaper delivery job hours are typically flexible, so it is a fine choice for teenagers who are still in school. The job also offers a chance to be outdoors and exercise.
7. Car Washing
Providing car wash services is another excellent idea for teens aged 14. You can do this in your neighborhood, and all you require is simple equipment such as soap, a bucket, and a sponge. You can volunteer to wash cars for neighbors, friends, and relatives. If you do it professionally, people will spread the word, and you will have repeat clients.
You can also provide extra services such as waxing or vacuuming the inside of the car for a small extra charge. Washing cars is a versatile job and can be an excellent way to make money while keeping fit.
8. Online Jobs
The age of the internet has created a lot of possibilities for teenagers to earn money online. Although there are certain positions that can ask for you to be 16 or older, there are a lot of online opportunities available for 14-year-olds. Some possibilities are:
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Taking surveys: There are websites that pay you for taking surveys, although these do not always pay well.
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Content creation: You can earn money by creating content if you are good at writing or making videos through YouTube, blogs, or TikTok.
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Online tutoring: You can provide online tutoring for a particular subject if you are good at it.
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Selling products: You can sell vintage items or handmade crafts through platforms like Etsy.
Before proceeding with online employment, it’s crucial to find out and learn if the website is legitimate and how to conduct privacy and security management.
9. Grocery Store Assistant (Some Places)
Whereas most grocery stores require employees to be at least 16, there are occasions when exceptions can be made for teenagers aged as young as 14. You might find employment in certain places as a bagger, stocker, or cart collector. These types of jobs tend to have flexible hours and permit you to obtain excellent work experience while working in a customer service atmosphere.
Grocery stores tend to have routine scheduling demands, which can be a reliable source of revenue.
10. Volunteer Work
Although volunteer work is not always paid, it can be a great way to get work experience, learn new skills, and enhance your resume for future employment. Most nonprofits and community groups have open arms to young volunteers, providing opportunities such as working at food banks, assisting at animal shelters, or joining community clean-up activities.
Even though you’re not paid, volunteering can open doors to paid positions in the future, and it’s a great way to demonstrate responsibility and initiative.
Conclusion
When you are 14 years old, there are a lot of jobs you can do to make money, learn new skills, and get some good work experience. If you decide to babysit, dog walk, tutor, or even have your own small business, the most important thing is to choose something that suits your interests, your time, and your skills.
It’s worth noting that labor laws exist to safeguard you as a young worker, so always refer to your local regulations to ensure that the job you opt for is appropriate and legal for your age. And above all, enjoy yourself and have fun! Acquiring work experience at a young age can put you on the right track towards a prosperous future.