For example, if one of your chores is running the vacuum at home, you could offer to help do cleaning around the house by running the vacuum throughout their house. For older neighbors, you can offer to come by 2-3 times per week to take out trash, do dishes, help them with laundry, and do other household tasks that might be too difficult for them to do on their own.
Chores that take more time and energy should have a higher fee. At the bottom of the paper write a short paragraph stating the date that all of the chores need to be done and how much money you would make if they were all completed on time. Then have your parents sign the paper in agreement. If they don’t agree with your prices, negotiate. When you both sign, remember that you have to do all of the chores on the paper! You could even do more!
In the spring and summer, you can offer to mow lawns, pull weeds, and help with general gardening.
Before you walk the dog for the first time, go over to the neighbor’s house and play with the dog so it knows who you are. Then, when you come over to walk it, the dog probably won’t be afraid of you.
Even if they don’t need a pet sitter right now, you can leave your phone number with them so they can contact you when they’re ready.
If you don’t know how to wash a car, ask a parent to teach you on their car first.
You can also go around to the neighbors you know and ask if you can have some of their cans and bottles in their recycling.
Remember to choose items that are in good condition, like video games that you only played a few times, or books that you don’t want anymore. Don’t try to sell anything that’s broken or damaged.
Try to plan your stand so that you’re outside during the busiest times of the day, like the afternoon when your neighbors are coming home from work or school.
This might require more assistance from your parents, but you can make a lot of money if your products are unique.
When you start out, plan to charge between $8-10 per hour for each kid that you watch. As you get more experience, you can charge more for your services. This is a great job around holidays and during the summer, since parents are more likely to need someone to watch their kids while they go to an event or party.
This is a great option for younger kids for a first job, so the jobs are often full in smaller towns. If there isn’t a position available, ask them if they can keep you in mind if a spot opens up.
You can also ask your guidance counselor or teachers if there are any paid peer tutoring positions open at your school. This is a great way to get started as a tutor. This can also help you study for tests in that class, as you’ll be reviewing the information repeatedly to help teach others.
If you’re 15 or younger, check the laws in your state to make sure you’re able to have a job. In some cases, you might have to get a work permit from your school stating that you have good grades and a job won’t interfere with your schoolwork.
Keep in mind that waiters sometimes make less than minimum wage since they make tips, so your paycheck might be smaller than you expect. However, you make up for that money with the cash tips that you receive.