Hi all,
I would like some ideas from the large and wise community of OzBargain on how to make some pocket money. I am 13, I am quite good with computers. All ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,
Kind Regards,
Bargain Robber
How Can a Teenager Make Money
LBargain robber on 09/11/2014 - 10:30
Comments
The great thing about modern times is there's almost an infinite ways to make money. The hardest part is using your brain creatively to think up ideas.
I see people making money by making youtube videos, performing tasks for others (like Airtasker), doing online surveys/being in focus groups, trading shares online etc. It really is limitless, all you need is your brain :)
I would've also said trade shares, but he can't legally do so at 13.
Learn programming (See Udacity for online courses)
https://www.udacity.com/courses#!/allOr click here for Google's own course on how to program an Android game. Just click "Access Course Materials" to get started (the course doesn't cost you a thing).
Then use your skills to make your own (mobile) games and publish them on Google Play.
When you're still young and have lots of free time you can afford to do this. Don't worry too much about having to make money — instead use your time to learn something that could be useful in the future.
If you want to work for money there are lots of oddjobs you could do and this could range from lawn moving, car washing, pet sitting and flipping stuff on eBay.
There are levels at "being good with computers". To be able to service other's computers you need to be sure of what you are doing as it can end up a real worry. If you have the skills then there are a lot of people who need such a service, bug removal, OS configuration & update and mostly tuition (if you have the patience lol).
Search around for cheap computers that can be cleaned up and resold. Always a good call for those, but always ensure that the buyer knows that software errors caused by the owner are their responsibility.
Mowing lawns is another one… but at 13 most people would be a bit reluctant because of liability laws etc.
Newspaper routes are mostly done by people with cars these days.
Your age is a bit of a barrier atm.. but there are still opportunities.
A 13 year old can make money by studying hard, getting good grades, setting themselves up for life and being smart about it.
Probably sound like your parents, but in all honesty, the difference between two graduates, one of which is sought after and the other who can't find a job, is often their grades and what they have done with their lives.
Develop extra-curricular interests, work hard to put yourself on a good academic platform, find things which will help you get a job later on such as learning extra skills and new things and you will be rewarded handsomely one day when you get a bigger paycheck than the guy sitting next to you. Any money you make now is literally pennies compared to the benefits you get by setting yourself up for life.
If you really want to set yourself up well for life, learn useful skills that are good in the workforce. If you like computers, learn programming, that's a skill that is valued in all areas of work, even areas unrelated to IT. Learn how to use software such as Word and Excel. I know people who have gotten jobs based on the fact that they are an Excel Whiz.
Look at your future career path and look at the skills which will put you at the edge. If you want to work in, for example, Marketing, think outside the box and equip yourself with the skills other graduates won't have. Being proficient in graphic design and software such as Photoshop and InDesign will help you in a marketing career, other people don't think about that or don't care.
If you care, you can learn skills which will help you earn more one day.
Probably a couple years too young to work at most places, maybe offer to do odd jobs for friends, family or neighbours. Or maybe get a newspaper route?