Joining the workforce is an important key to becoming an independent adult that is in charge of your life’s progress, as well as making money young to fund your present activities and future plans. So why does “work” sound like such a dirty word?
We all do it, and without working, many of us wouldn’t have the things we do today. Nevertheless, it still seems like “work” and “job” are associated with being bossed around for a wage.
In reality, there are ways for school students to make money, that can also be rewarding, fun, and a great way to meet people. The lessons taught in this article will give you the tools to make money young and get on the career path that you really want.
Overall, the goal of work is to earn money to live the lifestyle you want now, while planning for future retirement. Getting work experience while trying different jobs during your time in high school and college can help you determine your interests, expand your social network, and gain valuable life experience.
Of course, making money young and finding a job that suits you the best takes determination, but armed with a positive attitude, it is not as hard as you might think.
Are you ready to enter the world of Work?
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Easy job suggestions to make money as a teenager
If you want to find a good fit, then a good start would be to answer these questions:
- What are your interests?
- What do you think you want to do in the future?
- How much money do you need to earn?
In a perfect world, what you like to do and the money you can make doing it are a match. You may have lots of interests but as a young adult you may have no job history, so your first step may be to get a job that can give you experience.
The first business that you work for may not be an ideal match to your interests, but it should be something that will build skills that you need, to provide more options in the future.
There are plenty of jobs for teens and young adults; and many ways to make money in college so before you take just any job, take the time to think about what you may want to do in the future. This can lead you to some job ideas that you would not have thought of otherwise.
For example, if you plan to work in advertising or public relations, there are several job paths that you may want to explore. Sales jobs of any kind would help build your skills and look impressive on your resume. General office work in an advertising, marketing, special event, PR firm or newspaper is another possibility.
If it is sports marketing that you are interested in, a job in ticket sales for a sports team would be a great first step. Here you would gain experience in a professional office setting and see how the industry actually runs.
Once employed in these kinds of jobs, try to pay particular attention to the tasks and things you like doing, and what you don’t. Keep a list of these items so you can learn more about yourself and have solid notes to compare future job offers. After keeping notes like this and after a few jobs, you will have a good idea of where you see yourself working in the next five years.
Finding jobs for teens and college students – What do you like?
At this point in life, it’s not uncommon to be unsure of what you want to do. There are plenty of career options for students and many ways to make money in college.
However, If you have never held a job, you may not be sure of what you like or don’t like in an employment position. If you felt at all inclined, now it would be a good time to speak to a professional about career planning or career advice. The teachers and educators are there for helping high school students choose a career.
For instance, until you work in retail sales you may realize that you like helping customers, but don’t enjoy being on your feet all day long. Then your next job may be customer service at an office where you are able to sit and still help customers.
Focus more on what job interests you have now, as they will likely evolve over time. But it’s fine to just think about a potential line of employment that will give you enough money to pay your bills and save some money for investing and “emergencies.”
Making money young – Getting paid what your worth
Nearly every job has its good parts and its bad parts. It is a job. If it was great all the time, it wouldn’t be called “work”.
You will learn something at every job you hold, whether it is a new skill or something about yourself. Be on time, be positive and go the extra distance. The secret to making money young is to learn all you can, and over-deliver. If you show initiative, you will build a good reputation. People will feel comfortable recommending you to another employer. Or you might even receive a promotion and a pay raise!
It is important to understand everyone’s roles within the workplace, and how you fit in. Part of being a team player is to understand how what you do affects others, and vice versa. It is not uncommon to have a workmate that you do not particularity like. Worse, he may be a bit of a slacker. Don’t let him undermine your performance! Take it as a valuable lesson and always remain positive.
But even if you think you are in a dead-end job and you dream of quitting, you need to keep a strong work ethic and show yourself as an excellent employee. Each job is a link in a chain. Building your job history is also building a network of contacts for the future.
Bosses from hell
Taking direction with respect is a key to successfully navigating the world of work. However, this can be difficult if you find that your boss is a nightmare to work with. It can happen.
In a perfect world you could strive to treat others as you wish to be treated, but most of us run across managers that are tough cookies. At times you may be able to see what is going on behind the scenes. Your manager may be getting pressure from his or her boss. Other times, it is just a situation of a bad supervisor.
What can you do about poor bosses?
If you feel you are being treated differently than your colleagues and do not think it is due to your performance, you should clear the air. If your supervisor is the type that yells orders at everyone, you can try to call him or her on it.
Ask for a private meeting to discuss any problemas. Setting the meeting at a future date will give you time to remove any emotions from the conversation. Take a hard look and ask yourself: Could I have done something to provoke the situation, even if it was not intended?
Start the conversation in a private setting, stating how much you like the job and acknowledging your supervisor’s authority. Clearly state your concern, and ask for your supervisor to tell you if he or she has concerns about your performance.
There are always two sides to a work relationship. You may learn something about your behavior or work habits that needs to change if you are going to fit in. Or, perhaps he/her is having troubles at home that are interfering with their work.
Or, maybe, they’re just a jerk. Depending on the situation and the employer, you may be able to talk about your situation with Human Resources. They can help guide you. This is a resource that you should use if you need it.
You’re worth it!
Always know your worth. Are there other places to work at a similar job that may have a better, more productive environment? There is always another job if you find that the workplace you are in is not for you. However bad the situation is, always try to leave on good terms and give a courtesy two-week notice.
Each job is a stepping stone to the next. Always be on the lookout for something bigger and better, and never settle. During our parents’ generation, establishing long work histories with employers was critical. Nowadays, we have information at our fingertips (hello social media!), and it’s now easier than ever to keep track of new and better opportunities. A lot of online job search types of companies allow you to set job alerts and receive email reminders about any new careers in that fall in you interest.
Just remember above all, you have to be true to yourself, family and friends. A job is a job. Show your loyalty by working your hardest, but never stay with an employer who isn’t holding up their end of the agreement through fair compensation, a good work environment, and opportunity for personal growth.
Asking for a raise
So, you’ve been employed for a while, and possibly you feel you are pulling your weight and increasing sales or improving services. Do you think you should be making a bit more money? If so, then put your study hat on. Find out about pay rates in the industry. If you are excelling in your job and know that your employer is happy with your performance, you can use this to your advantage.
Naturally, most people are afraid to ask for a raise. The fear is that they will not get the raise and ruin the relationship. But if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Know when to ask. If the company is experiencing cutbacks or slow sales, now is not the time. If some people have recently quit and you see an opportunity for advancement, don’t hesitate. At the very least, it shows you think you are doing a good job. A slacker would never dare ask for a raise!
Evaluation time is a good time, too. Ask for a meeting at a convenient time and state your case. Don’t just ask for a raise, tell your boss what you have done to deserve one.
Raise request example (from a retail job)
Hello (insert bosses name here), I feel that I offer the company a lot. I have trained on every register, and know how to stock and often fix displays. I have built up a list of 20 clients who buy from me on a regular basis, and I am expecting more referrals from this base. I am looking for a raise from $10 to $15 per hour. What are your thoughts on this?
It’s important to note, that in the above example, the goal for the employee should be >$13 per hour. You initially ask for higher to provide some room for negotiation. You may get the raise, or you may learn what more you have to do to get that higher wage. Remember – if you do not ask, you do not get!
Summary
There are plenty of ways to make money in high school and college. Here we have provided some helpful tips and suggestions that you can take with you to help generate more income.
Making money at a young age will put you on the fast track to reaching your lifestyle goals. Who knows, you may even be able to start your own business doing the thigns that you love!
So go out there, learn about yourself and make money doing what you love.
This was just one of many other ideas about starting a side hustle, and or making money online without experience. If you want to discover more opportunities, check out our list of additional ways to earn money.
