Side Hustles for Teens: Earn Money While Studying
Are you a teenager looking for some extra cash? Do you find yourself longing for new clothes, gadgets, or experiences that you can’t afford with your allowance?
If so, you’re not alone. As a teen, it’s tough to find work that fits around your school schedule and still pays well.
Fortunately, there are side hustles teens can do to earn money from home or on-the-go. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best side hustles for teens, from gig platforms to online surveys, tutoring, pet sitting, and food delivery.
We’ll also cover some of the restrictions and regulations that come with these jobs, like tax regulations and working hours.
Gig Platforms that Accept Teenagers
Gig platforms are online platforms that connect freelancers with clients who need their skills. The most popular gig platforms are Fiverr and Swagbucks.
Both of these platforms accept users under the age of 18 with parental consent. Fiverr is a platform for small tasks and freelance services, from graphic design to voiceover to translation.
Teens can leverage their talents and offer gigs at a reasonable price. Fiverr charges a service fee of 20% for each transaction, but sellers can earn up to thousands of dollars.
However, Fiverr discourages minors from offering adult-related services, and administrators have the right to ban accounts that violate their terms of service. Swagbucks, on the other hand, is a platform for online surveys, offers, and cashback.
It rewards users for completing surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and playing games. Swagbucks has an age restriction of 13 years old, and users can earn up to $5 per survey.
The rewards can be redeemed for gift cards or cash through PayPal.
Tasks Teens Can Do to Earn Money
Aside from gig platforms, there are plenty of other tasks teens can do to earn money. Some of these tasks include:
Surveys: Companies, universities, and research organizations pay people to complete online surveys.
Sites like Survey Junkie and Vindale Research offer surveys that pay up to $50 per completed survey. Tutoring: If you’re good at a particular subject, you can offer tutoring services to other students.
You can advertise your services on local community groups, school bulletin boards, or online platforms like Cambly or Skooli. Pet Sitting: If you love pets, offering pet-related services like dog walking, pet sitting, or grooming can be a lucrative side hustle.
You can sign up on Rover, a platform that connects pet owners with pet sitters, walkers, and groomers. Food Delivery: With the rise of food delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, delivering food has become a popular side job for teens.
These apps offer flexible hours, instant payment, and the ability to earn tips based on your service.
Restrictions and Regulations
While side hustles can be a great way for teens to earn money, it’s essential to be aware of the restrictions and regulations that come with them. Tax Regulations: Any income earned from side hustles is subject to income tax.
If you earn more than $400 in a year, you’ll need to file a tax return. You may also be required to pay self-employment tax if you earn an income as a freelancer.
Working Hours: Teens are subject to federal and state child labor laws that regulate the number of hours they can work and the types of jobs they can perform. These laws are in place to protect minors from exploitation and ensure that they prioritize their education.
In addition to these regulations, some platforms may have specific age restrictions or fees. For example, Thumbtack, a platform for freelance services, requires users to be 18 years or older and charges a fee for sending quotes to potential customers.
Therefore, it’s crucial to read and understand the terms of service of any platform you’re using before signing up.
Conclusion
In conclusion, side hustles can be an excellent way for teens to earn money while studying. From gig platforms like Fiverr and Swagbucks to tasks like tutoring, pet sitting, and food delivery, there are plenty of options for teens to choose from.
However, it’s crucial to be aware of the restrictions and regulations that come with these jobs, such as tax regulations and working hours. By staying informed and organized, teens can turn their free time into a profitable opportunity.
How to Choose the Best Side Hustles for Teens
Choosing the right side hustle can be tricky, especially when you’re a teenager with limited experience and resources. However, by considering some key factors, you can determine the best side hustle for you.
Below are some essential factors to consider before choosing a side hustle.
Skills and Interests
One of the first things to consider when choosing a side hustle is your strengths and skill set. Think about what you’re good at and what interests you.
Do you have excellent writing skills, artistic abilities, or technical expertise? Are you passionate about pets, sports, or music?
Identifying your skills and interests can help you narrow down your options and find a side hustle that aligns with your passions and talents.
Time Commitment and Availability
Another important factor to consider is your spare time and availability. Are you looking for a full-time job or a part-time gig?
Can you work weekends or only after school? Do you have other responsibilities such as sports, extracurricular activities, or family obligations?
Understanding your schedule can help you find a side hustle that fits into your routine without overwhelming you.
Income Potential and Investment Needed
While earning money might be the main reason you’re looking for a side hustle, it’s important to set realistic and clear financial goals. How much money do you need to earn per hour, day, or week?
How much money do you need to invest in supplies or equipment? Researching the market and competition can help you identify the earning potential of different side hustles and the costs associated with them.
Reputation and Work Environment
When looking for a side hustle, it’s crucial to choose a reputable and trustworthy gig provider or employer. Research online reviews, ratings, and feedback from other users or employees.
Consider the safety and work environment of the side hustle. Are there any potential scams, frauds, or safety hazards to be aware of?
Reading the terms of service and privacy policy can also give you an idea of the expectations and standards of the gig provider.
FAQ About Side Hustles for Teens
Age Requirements
Q: Can a 14-year-old make money from a side hustle? A: Yes, a 14-year-old can make money from a side hustle, as long as it complies with federal and state child labor laws.
These laws limit the number of hours and types of jobs that minors can perform. It’s also essential to get parental or guardian consent before starting any side hustle.
Q: Can a 10-year-old sell stuff online? A: Yes, a 10-year-old can sell stuff online with parental permission and guidance.
However, most online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon require sellers to be at least 18 years old to create a seller account. Parents or guardians can create a seller account on behalf of their child and supervise the sales.
Tax Obligations
Q: Do teens have to file taxes? A: Yes, teens who earn an income from a side hustle are subject to federal income tax return filing requirements if their total income exceeds their standard deduction amount.
However, most teens who earn relatively small amounts of money from side hustles won’t be required to file a tax return. It’s important to consult a qualified tax advisor to determine your tax obligations and take advantage of any tax deductions or credits.
Reliable Side Hustles
Q: What is a reliable side hustle for a teenager? A: A reliable side hustle for a teenager depends on various factors.
Some popular side hustles for teens are online surveys, tutoring, pet sitting, food delivery, and mobile gaming apps. These side hustles have flexible hours, low investment, and low barriers to entry.
However, it’s essential to research the age requirements, income potential, and work environment of any side hustle before committing to it. Teens can also monetize their content on social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram and earn money through advertising revenue, sponsorships, or merchandise sales.
However, building a following and gaining popularity on social media can take time and effort.
Conclusion
Side hustles can be an excellent way for teenagers to earn money while studying, gaining experience, and exploring their interests. The digital age has made it easier than ever before to find gigs that suit your skills, availability, and financial goals.
In this article, we’ve explored the different types of side hustles, the restrictions and regulations that come with them, and the factors to consider when choosing the right side hustle.
Variety of Side Hustle Options for Teens
One of the advantages of side hustles is the variety of options available, from gig platforms to freelancer services to on-demand apps. Whether you’re good at designing logos or walking dogs, there’s a side hustle that matches your strengths and interests.
Moreover, many side hustles, such as online surveys or mobile gaming apps, don’t require previous experience or training. However, it’s essential to check the age requirements, working hours, and minimum payout thresholds of each platform before signing up.
Choosing the Right Side Hustle
Choosing the right side hustle can be a challenging task, especially when you’re a teenager with limited experience and resources. However, by considering your skills, availability, income potential, and reputation, you can determine which side hustles are worth your time and effort.
For instance, if you’re passionate about pets or have experience with animals, offering pet-related services can be a rewarding and lucrative side hustle. If you’re good at teaching or explaining concepts, offering tutoring services online can be a flexible and high-paying side hustle.
Educational Resource for Parents and Teens
Finding the appropriate side hustle requires research, communication, and preparation. Parents can play a significant role in guiding and supporting their teens in their side hustle journey.
Encouraging teens to explore their passions, set clear financial goals, and prioritize their education can help them find a side hustle that aligns with their values and aspirations. Moreover, parents can educate themselves and their teens about the regulations and taxes that come with side hustles and seek professional advice if needed.
In conclusion, side hustles can be a valuable way for teens to earn money, develop new skills, and gain independence. By understanding the available options and the essential factors to consider, teens can make informed decisions about their side hustle and achieve their financial goals while staying safe and legal.
Parents can be a supportive and educational resource for their teens, empowering them to pursue the best side hustle for their unique situation. Side hustles are a fantastic way for teenagers to earn money and explore their interests.
From gig platforms to online surveys to tutoring, there are many options available for teens. It’s important to consider your skills, availability, income potential, and reputation when choosing the right side hustle.
Additionally, parents can be an educational resource for their teens and guide them in finding appropriate and safe side hustles. With the right mindset and preparation, side hustles can help teens achieve their financial goals and develop valuable skills.