If you are 14 years old, it is not legal for you to get an actual job. However, most companies, outside of usual suspects like fast food joints, will not take 14 year olds, especially in times of bad economies when they can have access to an older and more skilled labor pool. So if you are 14 years old and need to get a job to make money, the traditional job and McDonald’s may not be in your future. In addition, you need work that can be scheduled around your school times. Think it’s hopeless? Think again! Here are fourteen ways to get a job and/or make cash, even if you are 14 years old and have no experience:

1. The first tip: don’t just sit around whining, “I’m 14 and I need a job!” You actually have to do something about it in order to get the work you need. Asking mom or dad or your friends won’t help – take your own initiative. By reading this article you’ve started the first important step of this process.
2. Even though you are young, you can still begin your own business, or at the very least learn the fundamentals such that you can eventually run a business that can pull in real cash.
3. Apply to as many jobs as possible – in the end, it’s going to be a numbers game for you. If you’ve had job experience, consider getting help with writing a resume that will help give you the edge over your competitors.
4. Don’t be picky! Take what you can get. If you are 14, you will have fewer options until you get older, so take work that you don’t mind and that pays decently enough (read: minimum wage).
5. We assume that you’ve already tried the usual avenues for work. Paper routes, fast food joints, eateries, small shops, and retail are the usual places to find work. If it’s the summer, pools, parks, and camps are also popular. If you are looking for summer work, be sure to start looking before June – begin your search in March or April in order to line up the best jobs.
6. Indeed, if you can’t find a traditional job, why not go into business for yourself by doing some part-time work for people you know? You are nearly old enough to babysit, and if you can handle a lawn mower, mowing lawns is an easy way to make quick bank. You can also shovel snow, rake leaves, walk dogs, and do other odd jobs for people in your neighborhood. Again, make sure you work for people you know – be careful around strangers – but don’t be afraid to branch out and grow your business. This is a great way to earn money and gain the experience you’ll need later in your life!
7. Sell stuff. You probably have a lot of gear and possessions that just sit around the house, garage, and attic collecting dust. Well dust them off and sell them at garage sales or pawn shops. Better yet, try online options like Amazon, Craigslist, and Ebay to reach a global audience. Make sure you have your parents’ help with this, of course, as they’ll have to work out the financial aspects of it. Make sure you know how to package and send out the shipments, too!
8. Try to make money online. There are plenty of opportunities out there for those who have the skills to market. What are you good at? If you are a good writer, you could try writing for websites to make money. Online surveys and other offers may also be an option.
9. Note, however, many of these sites have an age minimum of at least 18, so you may not be able to get this work.
10. Ask your parents. They may have odd jobs for you to do that can earn you a few extra bucks.
11. Note: state and national laws may limit the number of hours you can work during a school week, so keep this in mind when making extra money. Most importantly, don’t let work get in the way of your studies. If you find your grades slipping, cut back on your hours or quit altogether – don’t sacrifice your long term future for a few dollars now!
12. If you are 14, and look it, you need to act and look as mature as possible. If you look like a kid, no place will hire you. If you act like a kid, no place will hire you. Thus, dress nicely whenever you talk to a manager or go on an interview. Convey maturity beyond your years, a willingness to learn and work hard, and the willingness to take minimum wage and work as many hours as you can (legally). This will set you apart from the herd and, honestly, may even give you an edge over older applicants and employees.
13. Make sure you get all your paperwork in order. If you get a ‘real’ job, you will have to have your work permit in order to get a legal job.
14. Don’t stress out! Wait a bit! You have all your life to work, so don’t freak out if you don’t find something now. Get a bit older and apply that work ethic and you’ll be ready to go far.

What To Do Now

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