Becoming a teenager is exciting. That’s because several new avenues open up for us as teenagers. However, teens are also a period of our lives when we’ve to learn how to be more responsible for ourselves in every sphere. Because what we learn during our teens, often stays with us throughout our lives on this planet.
If you are a teen and wish to become responsible while learning other vital life skills, here’s something you could do. And that’s taking any of the 12 most fun jobs for teens. Should this sound interesting, continue reading. I will be discussing about the top 12 most fun jobs for teens that every teen must be aware of.
But first, let’s start with some rules and regulations that allow teenagers to work.
FLSA REGULATIONS FOR TEENS TO WORK
The Fair Labor Standards Act of America bans work of persons below the age of 13. However, the FLSA makes some exceptions. As a teenager between the ages of 13 and 16 years, you can work on non-hazardous jobs only. Even in such cases, the organization or business hiring a person below the legit working age of 16, has to take special permits from the Department of Labor.
However, this shouldn’t stop you from taking any of these fun jobs as a teen. The jobs that I’m writing about are simple, don’t involve hazardous work and in fact, can fetch you some money too. As a teenager, working and earning money will help you learn a lot of skills such as taking responsibility, money management, time management, and self-discipline, among others.
Sounds interesting? Continue reading.
12 Most Fun Jobs for Teens
These 12 jobs that I’m writing about are fun. And they would help you get a lot of life skills too. All these jobs are legit and hence, you needn’t worry about violating any American labor laws. These jobs are for everyone between the age of 13 and 19 years.
1. Musician
If you’re passionate about music and can sing or play an instrument, the job of a musician will surely be fun. You can join a band and play the instrument or sing for them as a vocalist. In fact, lots of famous singers in the world began their careers as teenagers. Therefore, you can also give it a try.
2. Dog Walker
Most teenagers love pet dogs. And should you be one of such teenagers, work as a dog walker. This job doesn’t require you to leave your locality. Instead, you’ll be walking dogs in your own neighborhood. You could walk several dogs during a single trip and earn a lot of money. You’ll also have to pick behind the dogs to keep the area clean. So, carry a lot of waste paper for this purpose.
3. Teenage Model
Organizations that make products for teenagers usually want teens to be their models. It actually means you’ll be a brand ambassador for them on their TV and print advertisements. This is a very high-paying job as a teenager and open to every teen between 13 and 19 years of age. However, you’ll have to pass a series of auditions to qualify as a teenage model.
4. Lifeguard
Under American laws, females and males over the age of 16 can work as lifeguards at swimming pools and picnic spots. And you’ll have to undergo basic first aid training, including how to perform Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on persons whom you save from drowning. There are various organizations that hire teens for the job of lifeguards during holiday seasons and around the year too.
5. Blogger
Blogging is something you could do from the safety and comfort of your home. It requires a little investment- say $9.99 per year and a bit more to buy a superb domain name and website hosting. You can blog about your hobbies, life, or anything that you’re passionate about. Bloggers make a lot of money when they become popular and have a wide following. There are several ways to make money as a blogger.
6. Mascot
Would you love to play the role of a character from Walt Disney, Warner Bros, or Hanna Barbera cartoon films? Then work as a mascot at a theme park. You can also find jobs as a mascot for various restaurants and stores. In such cases, you’ll be wearing the costume of the mascot and performing antics that would attract people to a store or restaurant. You would also have to play with kids and conduct games for them during parties, as the mascot.
7. Social Media Assistant
And for teens who love social media such as Facebook and Twitter, you can work as a social media assistant for some organization or individual. That means you will be responsible for uploading posts and Tweets on your employer’s Facebook and Twitter accounts and responding to any comments. Generally, the employer will tell you what response you should provide on any comments. You’ll also have to click likes and use smileys where necessary.
8. Store Assistant
A store assistant’s job isn’t hazardous and can be taken by teens who are 13 years old and above. This job involves directing shoppers to the right aisle, watching for shoplifters if necessary, handling the cash counter, labeling products, and other motley tasks. Usually, store assistants are necessary during the holiday and shopping seasons when stores witness a huge turnout of shoppers.
9. Freelance Photographer
Have an eye for pictures? Then work as a freelance photographer. For this job, you would require an excellent camera. And if you don’t have one, simply use the camera on your smartphone to take superb pictures and sell them on stock photo websites such as 123RF, Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, and others. Whenever someone buys your pictures, you make some money. This is a superb way for teenagers to make money even while asleep.
10. Babysitter
A babysitter’s job isn’t easy by any yardstick. But it’s not hazardous and you would enjoy it too, provided you love infants and younger kids. Parents everywhere in America require the services of a babysitter when they go out of the house together for shopping or entertainment or social engagements. Instead of taking their infants in tow, they enlist the help of babysitters. You can find superb babysitting jobs from various agencies in your city or town.
11. Bakery Helper
Bakery helper’s job is something you’ll simply love. It involves decorating cakes, packing cookies and other goodies, stacking loaves of bread, and weighing stuff for customers. Usually, at the end of the day, the bakery owner will appreciate your services with some cookies or pastries. And they’ll also pay you on an hourly, daily, or monthly basis for your work. This is usually a vacation job but you can find it anytime of the year too.
12. Sports Coach
Sports coach is another fun job that any teenager can take. To work as a sports coach, you should have full knowledge about the game, including its complex rules and regulations and some history. You can train other teenagers and kids to play sports at a stadium or even online. This helps you to fine-tune own skills at the sport too. And you remain fit. This is an excellent fun job that would teach you leadership and other vital life skills.
TAXES FOR WORKING TEENS
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also charges taxes from teenagers who work. However, there are several relaxations and concessions the IRS gives to teenagers while paying income tax.
If you’re unsure about IRS taxation rules for working teens, I would suggest you visit the nearest income tax office and get a free consultation.
IN CONCLUSION
As you can see from my list of the 12 most fun jobs for teens, almost everyone who is 13 years to 19 years old can take some of these jobs. Now that you’re aware of these jobs, find one that matches your needs and suits your hobbies. That way, they would be fun. The money you would earn from such jobs is only the second attraction.
The main thing is what you get to learn from such jobs and the life skills that you’ll acquire while working. Some of these jobs are available during vacations only. But you can look online for longer-duration jobs with various employers in the field that’s of your interest.
