Growing Up Fast — Is Working Already On Your Mind?

Every child has that point in their childhood where the topic of “What do you want to be when you grow up” comes up. Grown-ups not only ask this as a serious discussion, but sometimes they want a little glimpse of what might be in the future for you. Sometimes when they know a possible path of where you wish to be, it helps them, and you, move toward it.

As a kid, I’ve always had dreams of becoming many different things such as a singer, a police officer, detective or a baker. There were times I went into fantasy land and wanted to be a fairy or a superhero that could fly in the sky fighting bad guys in the name of justice! However, after much consideration about my future as I go older, I realized I needed to a be a bit more flexible with my career choices. I narrowed it down to the fact that I wanted to become a writer.

Why a writer? Because I enjoy writing that’s why. It’s one of my favorite things to do, a hobby that developed ever since I learned how to type on a typewriter (Thanks, mom!). Over the years I started working on my dream, just writing about anything I could find from real life to fantasy. The moments I was able to finish a work piece, I patted myself on the back for a job well done. I even began writing my own books, but sadly haven’t finished any of them to become an actual writer or author for that matter. That’s still how it is today for me though. Even as a growing adult, I have unfinished works, but I’m not giving up my dream.

Just like myself, all of you kids and teens have your own dreams to look forward to. Whether it be a path like mine or a different choice, remember to follow whatever you wish. Certainly it’s not easy to go down your career path until later in life because you’re still so young and have to finish your education first. Though I have known some kids who developed a work ethic pretty young in childhood and sees getting a job as a means to put them on the right track. My oldest twin, only 12, has a job of his own right now working for a neighbor of ours. He’s a workaholic when he wants to be.

But even though you may be young, and you want to get a job, it actually might be the right thing for you to do. Gaining experience in the work field is the best thing you can do to help you in the future. With every experience, you get a point for future reference. What does that mean? It means that every little thing you do can be a great asset to helping you achieve you dream job. Most dream jobs actually need those with experience in the field such as previous work or education up to a certain degree whether it be just high school or college.

At your age, if you want to work, go ahead and work. It won’t be easy to find a job, but as long as it’s something suitable for your age, you just might get it. Chances are you don’t know what you can do right now considering your age, but I can help you out a bit. Go ahead and check out what work could be within your age range so you can gain that experience:

Babysitting/Daycare – This is a common job for older kids and teens who love kids. Ask neighbors if they ever need someone to babysit, you can do it and give them contact information. Not just babysitting, you could get a part-time job at a daycare center. By doing this, you learn how to care for children of differing ages and it helps a bit if one day you become a parent yourself.

Yard Work – Another common job any kid can do during the year. You can ask neighbors or local home associations about helping to keep yards clean. You can rake, shovel, garden, trim, pick up trash, mow or whatever else needs to be done to keep a yard clean and beautiful. It’s a fun job, plus you can be outdoors and enjoy nature.

Housekeeping – I would say this would be for those more suited with those who enjoy cleaning or organizing. Of course it doesn’t mean those who never did much cleaning couldn’t do it either. Talk to family, friends and neighbors about housekeeping that might need to be done such as basements, attics, garages or other parts of the house. This is especially a good idea when it comes to your older neighbors who can’t do much around the house. Not only will you have a bit of cash in your pocket, but you’ll feel really good about helping somebody else.

Lifeguard – This is a summer job mostly. If you are a teen certified in CPR and First Aid, then go for it. Swimming skills are a must of course. You can get paid to sit back, relax and watch people swim and have fun. One of fun parts I find of this job is that you can blow a whistle if somebody does something they shouldn’t. I don’t know why, just find the whistle….shrilling, ha ha.

Car Wash – During the summer, it’s a fun thing to do. Offer your services around to clean out and wash cars for a reasonable fee. You’ll be able to have fun in the sun, cool off with water and make someone able to drive around in a pretty new-looking car.

Dog Walker – One of my favorite jobs as a kid. Neighbors and friends who have dogs sometimes don’t have time to take them out due to their busy schedules. So make an offer to take care of that task for them. It’s easier if they know you and can trust you with their four-legged friends. And if it works out, you might just become scheduled as a permanent dog walker for them. You can have fun every day with a pup!

Painting – Paint chips off now and again. A neighbor might not have the time to do it all by themselves. Offer up yourself to do it for them as long as they offer the supplies of course. Just make sure it’s not on a day where you have plans, depending on the painting job at least. Get some fresh air and put those art class skills to work.

Restaurant – Some fast food places offer part-time work for teens who have their work permits. This is known as a fast-paced work environment. So if you enjoy challenging yourself and happy to keep up your energy, then this might be a thing for you to try out.

Pet Sitting – Just like babysitting, notify friends and neighbors about your services. Around holidays, families go away and are unable to take their pets with them. So, offer them your help, negotiate a fee and do your scheduled work. Most jobs just have you feed them, change litter boxes or let them outside. It’s a bonus to spend a few moments with different furry friends, too.

Newspaper Delivery – Are you an early bird? Then perhaps you should take a bit of time to deliver newspapers to your local neighborhoods. It may not seem like an easy job at first since you need to know who gets a newspaper and who doesn’t, but if you keep doing it every day, your memory will expand and remember things. This is also a good work asset: memory.

Tutoring – If you excel in a subject at school, why not offer services as a tutor for kids your age or younger. This could be a great and easy job for you. By helping someone else, you show you got patience and can be a leader. And if you can’t get a regular job as a tutor, you can volunteer services at a local community center to kids who need the help.

Volunteer – Can’t find a regular job? Then get some experience by doing volunteer work for places such as community clean up, local YMCA/YWCA, Red Cross, etc. Not only will it show how awesome you are on a resume, but it also shows you have a caring personality to add to the job.

Remember, if you find a job you enjoy, keep at it. Someday, as you get older, you’ll be set on working toward your job goal and achieve it. I know you can!