Are you a 13-year-old looking for a job but don’t know what options are available to you? The idea of working at a young age can be scary and overwhelming, but it can also be a great opportunity to learn responsibility, gain new skills, and make some extra money. Fortunately, there are several local jobs that are suitable for young teenagers looking to work part-time. These jobs can provide a positive start to a work experience while also allowing you to save up for future expenses. Additionally, part-time jobs can help teenagers who want to contribute to their family financially. If you are looking to work at age 13, it’s important to find opportunities that are age-appropriate, safe, and legal. Keep in mind that each state has its own set of labor laws, so make sure to familiarize yourself with your state’s regulations. By being proactive and resourceful, you can find a job that suits your interests and availability. In this article, we will take a look at various legitimate local jobs for 13-year-olds.
Babysitting and Pet Care
One of the most popular jobs for 13-year-olds is babysitting. Parents in your area may often need an extra hand with child care or pet care. You can start by offering your services to friends or family members who can help spread the word for you. Here are some ideas for you to consider:
- Babysitting – Take on occasional or recurring child care tasks. Rates vary (typically between $8-$15 per hour).
- Pet-sitting – Offer feeding, walking, or pet play for pet-owners while they are away. Rates vary (typically between $10-$15 per half-hour).
- Dog walking – Offer to walk your neighbors’ dogs when they can’t. Rates vary by region.
- Pet grooming – Offer to bathe, brush or groom pets. Rates vary by region.
- Pet waste cleanup – Offer to clean up lawns of dog waste. Rates vary by region.
It’s important to establish a good rapport with clients and ensure you have their trust so they feel that their children or pets are in safe hands. Always communicate with parents or pet owners about their expectations of you and treat their homes with respect. There are several websites like Care.com and Rover that can help you find babysitting and pet care jobs in your local area as well.
What is it called when you babysit a pet?
When you take care of someone else’s pet when they are away, it is commonly known as pet sitting. It is similar to babysitting, but for pets.
If you are looking for a pet sitter for your own pet, websites like Rover and Wag! offer pet sitting services where you can find qualified and reliable pet sitters in your area. These websites also provide information and reviews on pet sitters to help you make an informed decision.
Lawn Maintenance and Yard Work
Another job option for 13-year-olds is to offer their services for lawn maintenance and yard work in their neighborhood. Here are some examples of what you could offer:
| Task | Rate per hour |
|---|---|
| Mowing the lawn | $10 to $15 |
| Raking leaves | $10 to $15 |
| Gardening | $10 to $15 |
| Watering plants | $8 to $12 |
Additionally, you may also offer snow shoveling during winter months when it snows heavily. Along with this, you could also consider cleaning yards, pruning trees or shrubs, and other tasks that need to be done.
Did you know that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of grounds maintenance workers is projected to grow 11% from 2018 to 2028? So, this job could also be a good start for a future occupation. Remember to have all necessary equipment and ensure you are aware of safe use of equipment.
You could advertise your services by putting up flyers, knocking on doors, or by social media platforms as mentioned in the previous paragraph. Just remember, to be honest, and clear about what you offer, rates, your experience level, and your limitations.
What is an example of yard work?
Here are some common examples of yard work:
- Mowing and edging the lawn
- Raking leaves and debris
- Trimming trees and bushes
- Planting flowers or vegetables
- Cleaning gutters
If you need help or advice on managing your yard work, check out websites such as Home Depot or Lowe’s for products and instructions on how to make yard work easier.
Pet Care Services
If you are an animal lover, offering pet care services could be a great job option. Here are some services you could offer:
- Pet sitting
- Dog walking
- Feeding and watering pets
- Playing with pets
- Administering medication to pets
Rates for pet care services vary depending on the service, frequency, and region, but you can charge around $10 to $15 per half-hour. It’s important to note that pet care services should only be offered if you’re comfortable and confident in your ability to handle various types of animals.
Along with putting flyers up in your neighborhood, you could advertise your services through some websites that specialize in connecting pet owners with pet sitters and dog walkers, such as Rover or Care.com. These websites provide an opportunity for you to create a profile and list your services with your rates. They also offer booking systems and payment processing to make your job a little easier.
In addition, always make sure to confirm expectations and arrangements with pet owners, such as feeding schedules or routes for dog walks, and stay in communication with them to address any issues that may arise. Finally, enjoy spending time with furry friends while making some extra cash.
How to Make Money in Pet Care?
If you are an animal lover and enjoy taking care of pets, there are several ways to monetize your passion for pet care. Here are a few options:
- Offer pet walking or pet sitting services in your local community.
- Create online tutorials or courses in pet training, pet grooming or pet care.
- Write pet care articles for online publications and monetize them with advertising or affiliate marketing.
- Sell pet-related products such as food, toys, or accessories on websites like e-commerce stores.
Whether you choose to offer services, create content or sell products, there is a high demand for quality pet care and pet-related products. Find your niche, and start making money in the pet care industry!
Creative Gigs
If you have a creative side and are good at crafting or art, there are plenty of ways to turn your skills into a profitable job. Here are some creative gigs to consider:
Sell Handmade Crafts
- Create unique and personalized items like jewelry, keychains, or candles
- Sell your items at local craft fairs or markets
- List your products on Etsy or Amazon Handmade
- Advertise through social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook
Paint or Draw Murals
- Find a local business that would like a mural on their building
- Create a portfolio showcasing your past work
- Decide on pricing and negotiate a contract with the client
- Use quality materials and take pride in your work
Organize a Yard Sale
- Gather items you no longer need that are in good condition
- Organize a yard sale at your home or a friend’s house
- Advertise through flyers or social media platforms
- Price items fairly and be prepared to negotiate with customers
- Make sure to adhere to any necessary permits or regulations in your area
In addition to these tasks, try to come up with ideas that are unique to your community or neighborhood. Check with community centers, libraries, schools or local parks to see if they require any creative help. Offering creative gigs can be fulfilling and enjoyable, while also making some extra cash on the side.
How do I get a job doing something creative?
Here are a few tips to help you land a job doing something creative:
- Build a portfolio showcasing your work. Online platforms such as Behance or Dribbble can help you gain exposure and connect with potential employers.
- Network and attend industry events to meet people in the creative field.
- Apply for internships or entry-level positions at companies you admire.
- Consider freelancing to gain experience and build your portfolio.
- Be proactive and reach out to companies you admire to see if they have any opportunities available.
Remember, getting a job in a creative field takes patience and perseverance. Keep honing your skills, building your portfolio, and putting yourself out there. Good luck!
Retail and Restaurant
Depending on your state and local laws, you may be able to work at certain retail and restaurant establishments as a 13-year-old. Here are some examples:
Fast-Food Restaurants
- Fast food chains like McDonald’s, Subway or Pizza Hut may hire 13-year-old workers in some states.
- Work hours may be limited to times when school is not in session and not during school hours.
- Responsibilities can include taking orders, operating cash registers, cleaning and food preparation.
- Opportunities for promotion to shift leader or manager can also exist.
Grocery Stores
- Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway or Wegmans can have positions for bagging, organizing shelves or cleaning.
- Work hours may be limited and depend on state laws.
- Responsibilities could include customer service, handling cash and stocking products.
- Possible opportunities for promotion to become a cashier, stocker or even a department manager.
Clothing Stores
- Clothing chains like The Children’s Place or Justice may hire 13-year-olds in certain states.
- Work hours will be regulated and limited to non-school hours and certain periods.
- Job roles include folding and organizing clothes and assisting customers.
- There are opportunities to join the team later on if you like working in retail.
Check with your state’s laws to see what opportunities exist, and get a work permit if required. Retail and restaurant jobs can be a great way to gain work experience, make some money, and start building your professional skill set at a young age.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many options and opportunities for 13-year-olds to work and earn money in their local area. Babysitting, yard work, pet-sitting, creative gigs, and jobs in retail or restaurants are all viable options for young teenagers looking to start earning some extra cash.
By taking up one of these jobs, you not only earn money, but also gain valuable skills, work experience and a sense of responsibility. However, it’s important to ensure that these jobs don’t interfere with school attendance, and that you adhere to state laws regulating working hours and conditions.
Whatever you choose to do, be proactive in your search and advertise your services, whether through flyers or social media. You may also want to seek out referrals from happy customers as you continue to build a good reputation.
In summary, working a part-time job at 13 can be a great way to earn money, learn new skills, and gain professional experience. With determination, persistence, and a good attitude, you can land that job you’ve been dreaming of and start gaining all the benefits that come with it.
