Dear Dish-it,
I really need money to buy a 5-piece drum set, but I have no way of getting a paying job because I'm only 12-years-old. What can I do to earn some cash?
Cashless
Jobs for 12-year-olds
Dear Cashless,
Being 12 to 14 is a tough couple of years because you're at an age where you need cash flow, but most places don't hire staff until they're 15 or 16. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways around this.
Jobs at Home
First ask yourself, what can I do around the house to earn money? Maybe your parents will pay you to wash their cars, mow their lawns or complete other chores that aren't typically yours. Or offer to organize some of the messiest cupboards, drawers or closets in your house. You could also babysit your younger siblings or new puppy.
Jobs in Your Neighborhood
Do you have an elderly neighbor with a dog? Perhaps you could walk him once a day for a small fee, or complete chores around their house or yard that have become difficult with your neighbor's advanced age. If you have a printer at home, try making some flyers with a list of services you offer - such as dog walking, babysitting, lawn mowing, leaf raking, snow shoveling, gardening, pool cleaning, house sitting, etc - and drop them off in all of your neighbors' mail boxes. There's bound to be someone who could use your help.
Jobs in Your Community
There are a few jobs available to people your age - some that will give you a real paycheck, and others that will pay you "under the table." For a real paycheck, look into a paper route or holding signs on the side of the road for local fast food restaurants. You may also need to dress up in mascot costumes. Other ways to earn a little cash is to go to your local dog groomer and offer to walk the dogs once he or she has completed a grooming. You could talk to your local used book store owner and offer to clean or shelve books, sweep or run errands for the owner. Stick to small businesses that have only one or a handful of employees. You could also look into upcoming events in your community and offer to help with the set up and clean up for a small fee. For example, a farmer's market or flea market. Vendors may need individual help, especially those who are manning their tables alone. Even just offering to relieve them for bathroom breaks would be helpful.
Have Your Say
Do you have any more job ideas for Cashless? Tell us in our comment section below!
