It is very beneficial for teens to start working early so that they can become more responsible, gain working experience, and also have their own source of income. If you are a 14 year old school dropout and in desperate need of a job, then you are in the right place. Here are the various opportunities that are available for the young teens, the conventional and the unconventional ones. This article will provide you with a list of the jobs you can get at 14, ideas on how to get these positions and how to excel in your new job.
Why Work at 14?
Thus, working at 14 has many advantages that go beyond the monetary aspect. Here are some key advantages:Here are some key advantages:
- Developing Responsibility: Working also helps the teens to learn how to schedule their time, complete work within the set time and also be answerable for their actions.
- Gaining Experience: First of all, work experience at an early age can help in job search and in the process of entering a university.
- Building Skills: There are many skills that can be learned through jobs; these include communication skills, team building skills, problem solving skills.
- Financial Independence: Getting your own money makes one to be independent and also plan on how to save for other things one may need in the future.
Legal Considerations
To proceed with the job options, there are some legal aspects that 14-year-olds should know when searching for a job. There is protection of young workers in many countries by putting in place certain labor laws. For example in the United States of America there is the Fair Labor Standards Act that outlines the number of working hours and the nature of jobs that youth can engage in.
Working Hours
According to the FLSA, 14-year-olds in the U. S. can work:According to the FLSA, 14-year-olds in the U. S. can work:
- Outside of school hours
- At most 3 hours in a day while in school.
- Up to 8 hours during a day when the child is not in school.
- No more than 18 hours within the course of a week in school
- Not more than 40 hours in a week that the child is not in school.
Also, they can work from 7 in the morning to 7 in the evening; however, during the summer season which is from June 1 until the first Monday of September, they can work up to 9 in the evening.
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Types of Jobs
The FLSA also has certain rules regarding the kinds of jobs that children as young as 14 years old can take to prevent them from being placed in hazardous jobs. They are generally allowed to do jobs such as:They are generally allowed to do jobs such as:
- Office and clerical work
- Retail sales
- Food service (for instance, table setting/serving, clearing away dishes)
- Tutoring and babysitting
- Activities that involve the yard (for instance, cutting the grass, planting flowers).
- Below are some of the most suitable jobs 14-year-olds can engage in.
Traditional Jobs for 14-Year-Olds
- Babysitting
Babysitting is considered to be quite suitable for 14-year-olds as it provides a lot of free time and can also be rather profitable. Most parents seek for dedicated teenagers who are willing to baby-sit their children in the evenings or during the weekends. To be a good babysitter, it is recommended that you enroll for a babysitting class from agencies such as the American Red Cross; this will equip you with the necessary skills and make you more professional.
- Yard work and lawn care
Of course, if you like spending time outside, then you can always mow lawns and perform other yard work in your community. Some of the tasks may involve cutting the lawn, sweeping the compound, clearing the yard of leaves, pulling out weeds from the gardens and watering flowers among other plants. This job can be especially profitable in the summer when people want to trim their grass and keep their yards clean.
- Dog walking and Pet Sitting
This is a great opportunity for animal enthusiasts to be able to work and earn while taking care of dogs and other pets. There are so many people who have pets and at times they are busy at work or on a holiday and May require someone to take care of the pets. Post flyers about your services in your locality or hang them at community centers or pillars. When starting the grooming, pet owners should be explained on the expected behavior and any special directives that should be followed.
- Retail Jobs
Some retail stores engage young teens to do things like arranging products on the shelves, arranging merchandise or attending to customers. Find out if there are any part time jobs in the nearby stores. This is because the big retail stores have a more organized interviewing process; therefore, you will be required to fill out an application form and possibly undergo an interview.
- Tutoring
If you are good in a certain subject, you can opt to teach young students as a tutor. This can be a very rewarding profession as you are able to impart information and ensure that other people are able to excel in their academic pursuits. Majors such as mathematics, science, and English have and will always be sought for by students. You can make use of the following channels to promote your tutoring services; school notice board, community centers, or via the internet.
Non-Traditional Jobs for 14-Year-Olds
- Online Content Creation
In the present technological advancement, many teens are discovering their success through posting contents on the internet. No matter if it is creating a YouTube channel, a blog, or a social media profile, content creation is entertaining and can be a great way to earn money. Choose only the topics that you like, it can be games, fashion or any do it yourself projects. Frequency and quality are the two main factors that determine the size of the audience.
- Selling Handmade Crafts
If you are creative, then you can engage in crafting items like jewelry, candles or paintings and sell them. Services such as Etsy allow you to open a store and sell things to people around the globe. This job lets you be creative and gives an insight to business and its management.
- Participating in Online Surveys
Although it is not the highest paying job, filling out online surveys can be an easy way to make some money in the free time you have. Another website that can be of interest is Swagbucks, where you can earn for doing surveys and other similar tasks. Always find out the minimum age that is allowed in the site and if you are below the required age, make sure to seek parental consent.
- Virtual Assistant
Due to the increase in remote working, companies and business people require assistance in tasking. Some of the virtual assistant’s services may include; handling of emails, planning, and social media management. Sites like Fiverr and Upwork can be used to advertise oneself and seek for customers.
Guidelines to Searching and Acquiring Employment
- Create a Resume
At such an age for instance at 14, having a basic resume with no complicated details can work to your advantage when looking for a job. All experiences, volunteer work, and skills that one has should be included. Emphasize that you are eager to learn and are passionate about the job.
- Network
Lucky for some, getting a job is as simple as knowing a person who can vouch for you. Inform your family, friends and neighbors that you are in search of a job to do. They could have a chance or maybe someone they know might have a chance.
- Apply to Multiple Jobs
Remember that you might not get the first job that you apply for; it is not the end of the world. It is recommended to apply for several job openings to raise the likelihood of getting a job. Adapt every application to the particular job and the particular company for which you are applying.
- Prepare for Interviews
If you receive a call for an interview; do not just give in to the call, make preparations. Rehearse some of the likely interview questions and consider what you would like to say about yourself, your strengths and weaknesses. Dress well, be courteous and be assured.
- Follow Up
It is recommended to follow up with the employer after the interview by sending an email or a message to thank them for their time and state your interest in the position. This can be useful to ensure one is always on the tip of the clients’ tongues and portrays professionalism.
Strategies on How to Excel in Your Work
- Be Punctual
Punctuality is also very important in the workplace, always be on time for your job. Thus, punctuality proves that you are organized and considerate of other people’s time. If you have a shift or a meeting at a certain time, it is advised to come at least five minutes before the time.
- Communicate Effectively
Wherever one works communication is very important and is essential in the accomplishment of daily tasks. Pay attention to the teacher and do not hesitate to ask questions when there is something that you do not understand. Maintain good relations with your employer and other employees in the organization.
- Be Reliable
Your employer and customers trust you and they have to know that they can rely on you. Once you have set your mind to doing something or taking a position, ensure that you complete it. It is recommended to inform your employer if you cannot come to work for any reason.
- Show Initiative
It is recommended to go an extra mile and do more than what is expected of you. If you find something requiring to be done, be proactive and do it. Employers like hardworking and aggressive workers who do not wait to be told what to do.
- Stay Positive
Attitude is an important factor which can really improve your working environment and make it better. When the job becomes a chore or simply boring, it is possible to try to remain optimistic and focused in order to do a better job and get more satisfaction from work.
Conclusion
It is good to get a job at the age of 14 since it helps one to learn a lot of things in life and also be financially independent. It is possible to try the conventional gigs such as babysitting and yard work or opt for the non-conventional gigs such as content creation online and virtual assistance. Therefore, being aware of the legal factors, seeking employment, and being hardworking, one can easily get a job at a young age and perform well. It is time to start looking for a job and open a new chapter in your professional life and have a fulfilling job.
