Understanding the value of money and learning how to manage it wisely are essential skills that can significantly impact a young person’s future. Money isn’t just about buying things, it represents opportunities, security, and the ability to achieve personal goals. For youth, recognizing the importance of financial literacy early on can pave the way for a more stable and prosperous adulthood.
From covering educational expenses and saving for future use to gaining real-world experience and contributing to personal development, the role of money in a youth’s life cannot be underestimated. By exploring various ways to earn money at a young age, youths not only gain practical skills and insights but also cultivate a mindset of initiative and entrepreneurship. This article delves into effective and feasible ways for youths to earn money, empowering them to take charge of their financial future from an early age.
1. Baking
Selling homemade cookies or pastries is a good way to earn money. You can even bake cakes and provide delivery service within your living area. Remember to price your baked goods so they cover your ingredient costs, consider your time and labour, and still allow you to still make a profit.
2. Babysitting
Looking after other people’s kids after school is great way to earn some money on the side. There’s no set price to charge but rates in Canada can average $14-$15 an hour. Babysitting courses and first-aid certifications may also help you gain an edge over other babysitters in the neighbourhood, and even charge more.
3. Jewellery Making
Making jewellery like earrings, necklaces, rings and brackets can be a great way for trailblazing teens to get crafty and kickstart a side hustle. You can sell them at craft shows, through social media, and family networks, or create personalized and custom jewellery for special occasions like birthdays and prom.
4. Music Teacher
If you know any musical instrument and you could make money on the side by teaching others how to play instruments. How much you charge for music lessons can vary and depend on things like the students’ grade and whether lessons will be conducted in their home or a studio.
5. Tutor
Tutoring neighbourhood kids in math, Malay, English or other subjects can be a great way to keep brains sharp and help other kids keep on top of their schooling. Ask parents in the neighbourhoods or teachers at local schools to help get the word out. Tutoring sessions can be held in home or virtually online. Being a replacement teacher in school or a tutor in tuition centre will be great ways to earn money.
6. Scuba Instructor
You can get a diving license and training to become a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) instructor. PADI is a popular scuba diving course certification that is recognized worldwide, offering unparalleled educational programs that will equip you with dive knowledge that will allow you to explore the underwater world safely. A diving instructor earns RM28.48/hr in Malaysia.
7. Car Wash
You can try setting up a car wash to make some cash, whether it’s a formal ongoing business or an impromptu roadside outfit with homemade signs.
8. Content Creator
YouTube videos are hugely popular and could help teens to earn a decent amount of money. However, it can take time to build an audience and generate income with this method. There are a lot of different platforms that can be used, but YouTube is one of the best teens can utilise. It is easy to get started, and you can follow many great in-depth guides. YouTube stars can earn a lot of money, though earnings are based on how many people subscribe and like their videos.
9. Video Game Streamer
Platforms such as Twitch and YouTube allow people to stream their gaming sessions to an audience. The more people subscribe, follow, and interact with them, the more they earn. People can stream any game, and there is the potential to become a well-known figure in the gaming industry.
10. Social Media Influencer
Influencers can earn a lot of money through social media. You will need to develop a large following in order to be classed as an influencer and post content that people love and want to follow. Then, you can start to work on building up a following on their chosen platform. Once they have an audience, brands will pay to advertise their products. The amount that can be earned from these advertisements will depend upon how well-known they become.
11. Selling Photographs
If you are a photography lover, why not try selling your work through websites? Stock photos are royalty-free photos anyone can use, but the photos have to come from somewhere, so why not from you? Simply take some photos in your downtime. Then, edit them however you’d like and sell them to companies like Shutterstock, Dreamstime, Alamy, and iStock Photo. Selling stock photos doesn’t bring in a lot of cash (roughly $0.05 to $0.25 per photo), but it can be the perfect side hustle to give you extra spending money, especially if you’re hoping to grow as a photographer.
12. Online Retailer
If you’re asking how to make money online under 18, entrepreneurship and selling stuff online is an excellent option for kids 13 and older. You can use your arts and crafts skills to create products to sell. Thrifty kids can practice online business by selling old belongings through eBay, or an online marketplace like Shopee, Lazada or Facebook Marketplace.
13. Customer Service Representative
You can earn a regular paycheck as a customer service representative. While the pay may start as low as minimum wage, customer service jobs can be an educational entry into the workforce, gaining valuable job skills.
14. Blogging
You can earn a regular paycheck as a customer service representative. While the pay may start as low as minimum wage, customer service jobs can be an educational entry into the workforce, gaining valuable job skills.
15. Online Researcher
Having good research skills can offer services as online researchers. You can work with individuals or companies who need assistance with researching specific topics, gathering information, or analysing data. This can be an interesting and challenging job for teens who enjoy learning new things and exploring different subjects.
16. E-hailing Driver/Delivery Man
If you have driving license or motor license, you can choose to involve in the e-hailing industry. An e-hailing driver can approximately earn RM2k-4k per month. The flexible working time enables you to manage your time freely.
17. Part-Timer
Working as a part-time worker such as service crew, tutor or make-up artist assistant can normally earn about RM7-15/hr depends on your experience and the company size. Part-time basis allows you to gain money and experience while doing other things that are beneficial for your personal development.
18. Intern
Internships provide valuable hands-on experience across diverse industries, offering insights into local business practices and cultural dynamics. These opportunities are crucial for gaining practical skills and expanding professional networks in society which greatly profit your future endeavours. However, earning money should not be the main point of doing internships as the financial compensation of internship is little or even none.
While making money can vary in difficulty in a nutshell, the real challenge often lies in managing and saving those earnings. Establishing a disciplined savings plan early on is crucial for financial stability and long-term success. By prioritising saving alongside earning, young individuals can build a solid foundation for their future financial goals, ensuring they not only earn money but also effectively manage and grow it over time.