This is a collaborative post: Whether you’re looking for something new or just browsing, consider these summer teen job opportunities!
Summer 2021 is expected to be one of the most opportune seasons in American history. As COVID-19 vaccinations are progressing, towns and cities across the country are re-opening at breakneck speed. For most teenagers, there are more summer job opportunities than ever before.
This rush of work opportunity is rare, and may not come again for decades. It is critical to make the most of this moment and develop valuable skills that will last a lifetime. Even if you don’t find your dream job this summer, you can gain skills working with people, managing money, and planning ahead. The best part? None of these jobs have to be full-time. In many, you can set your own hours. To understand the landscape of the job-market, we’ve put together this guide. Read on to find your match.
Freelance (via Fiverr)
Pay: Variable based on skill-level and reviews
Commitment: Flexible (part-time)
Today, freelancing has something for everyone. Popular for creatives, educators, and software engineers, there are several ways to offer your talents and skills to the world. Through Fiverr, a new but prolific platform, you can draw, write, act, edit, code, analyze, teach and much more. Everything from fitness to travel planning to video game coaching is offered through the website. You can set your own rates, build client relationships, and deepen your expertise. The possibilities are endless for freelancers today. One of the best parts? You get to own your schedule.
Food Delivery (Deliveroo, One Delivery, Foodhub)
Pay: ~£5 per delivery (variable based on tips)
Commitment: No minimum time commitment
Food delivery is a tremendous opportunity for young people looking for work. If you’re in the suburbs, you’ll definitely need a car and driver’s license to drive, but in the cities all you need is a bicycle. Food delivery is a great way to learn an area, make some money, and keep a lot of freedom. You can get paid per delivery, earn tips, and have a lot of interaction with people. For some, the job can become like a game, trying to deliver as many meals as possible. Food delivery is especially attractive if you want to set your own hours and be your own boss. You get to control how much you earn, and when you want to earn it.
There are several great places to start food delivery:
Pro Tips:
Before you get on the road, make sure you have all the right tools in your belt. You can check out this guide on essential gear. Also, it’s a good idea to use route optimization software (ROS). ROS will save you time, miles, and gas money. We recommend Straightaway, because it’ll help you make more deliveries in the same amount of time.
Tutoring
Pay: Up to £40/hour
Commitment: Part-time up to full-time
For those who are more academically inclined, tutoring can be a great way to make some extra money during the summer. The summer months tend to be a time when parents invest in tutoring to better prepare their kids for the fall semester, which can be a huge opportunity for teenagers seeking work. Tutoring is usually conducted locally, so we would recommend looking around for opportunities, like this one for those in the Portland area.
One of the best parts of tutoring? You have complete flexibility over the hours you work, and your skills will stay sharp, providing an edge in school as well.
Local Opportunities (Coffeeshop, bookstore, library, summer camps)
Pay: Typically minimum wage
Commitment: Part-time up to full-time
If you are seeking more traditional summer jobs, keep your ear to the ground for employment nearby. Coffee shops, bookstores, and libraries will be seeking part- and full-time employees for the summer, especially as lockdown restrictions are lifted nationwide. These opportunities will fill up quickly though, so check websites and bulletin boards frequently.
Another popular local option for summer work can be at summer camps. Today, teens can moderate camps that teach sports, arts, science, and so much more. Camps can be a great way to further your personal interests and have fun. For overnight camps, food and stay are usually included with the job, and stipends are given out to counsellors and helpers. Working in camps can be a great way to make new friends and enjoy a change of pace.
Some Conventional Wisdom
Save Money. Taking a summer job is a great way to handle different types of responsibility. The responsibilities of working are important, but you should spend some time learning about saving and managing your finances. Try starting a savings account and putting away a portion of your paychecks. Consider making a budget, to keep track of your spending over time. These exercises will give you a headstart in your lifelong financial journey. Consult with your parents and family to learn more about the different options available to you, and successful strategies they have employed in the past.
Further your interests. If you have a good idea of what you like, try to find related work. Spending the summer developing your interests can give you great insight and experience. Whether the job validates your passions or pushes you in new directions, you will gain tremendous knowledge and insight through the process.
Make The Summer Yours
While it may be tempting to hang out and take it easy, taking a summer job can actually be a great experience. You’ll meet new people, make some money, and learn new skills. This summer is especially rare, given the rate of COVID-19 vaccinations. Make the most of your time, because you won’t get this summer back. Get out there and seize the day!