Creative Teens’ Side Hustle Edition
We know these are challenging times for everyone, especially parents who have their kids at home, coupled with fulfilling other duties. In an overwhelming situation like this, you might be wondering if the pandemic offers opportunities for teens to improve their side hustle game. Well, the answer is YES!
Whether you’re a teen looking for ways to earn some cash, or a parent looking for ways to keep your kids busy, we’ve got some great ideas for you.
Babysitting or pet sitting
An age-old hustle that stands the test of time, this service is in great demand, especially in this season of Coronavirus, where kids can’t go to school. Try babysitting apps like Care.com or Bambino to ease your search. Babysitters can earn up to $15–$25 per hour. Make sure to follow the Covid-19 protocols to keep you and your clients safe.
If the thought of being around others is still too risky and you can’t handle the task of babysitting, you may want to consider animals. Pet sitting is an alternative if you or your teenager likes pets. Today, the dog-walking business is worth around $907 million and is growing more than 3% a year. Pet owners will love the idea as your service will be more affordable than a pet center. A dog walker can earn from $10- $20 per hour.
Answer Surveys
The internet is full of sites that offer money for survey taking, and many of them allow teens 16 years and above the ability to do so: the longer and bulkier the survey, the more likely the payout. Try out sites like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks to find one that suits you.
Online Customer Service
Many companies hire teens for their customer service department who work from home, adhering to social distance protocol. U-Haul is a great example. Your primary job duties would be to take calls, answer questions, and monitor customer experience.
Virtual Tutoring
Tutors are in high demand now more than ever, as kids cannot attend a regular class. You can earn some extra cash tutoring subjects you excel in. Advertise your services online and set a reasonable fee to attract clients, and you are good to go. With video conferencing tools like Zoom, Skype, or online tutoring platforms like tutor.com, not only are you socially distanced and safe, but you get to tutor people from different locations or states, earning more money.
Earn money from your skills or passion
Do you have any special skills in content creation like video or audio editing, Photoshop, animation, graphic/web design, blogging, etc.? You can sell your talents on platforms like Fiverr or Medium (mostly blogging) and earn money from the safety of your home.
Seasonal and temp gigs
You can keep an eye out on businesses that have seen a high demand for temporary job roles during the pandemic, like retail and grocery businesses, delivery services, etc. Vacancies for seasonal gigs like lifeguards in your local camp or beaches or shoveling snow in winter, etc., are also flexible and usually pay well.
Get creative with social media.
Teens are no strangers to social media with infinite platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc. You can showcase your talent, post videos, stunts, writings, and food recipes to garner a following and earn money from sponsors and promotions. The world is your stage.
You can follow some inspiring young side hustlers from Philadelphia on Instagram such as @maccustoms LilJohnWick/(Mac Customs) who customizes sneakers, masks, or just about anything. Then there is @miracl3.glow_ who is leveraging her passion and interests in positive self-body image to operate her own online health and beauty company. Or @philly._.ace._.motivation who is starting up a social entrepreneurial motivation merchandising side hustle.
And of course, there are other side hustling gigs you can do from the comfort of your home like knitting, jewelry making, reselling items on Amazon, performing household chores, newspaper, and grocery deliveries; the list is endless.
With a little creativity, there’s an array of opportunities, no matter your age. Remember, there are safe and easy ways to have a side hustle as a teen.