Job at 14

[Laura141995]

I'm only 14 but I need a bit of extra money as Christmas is coming up and don't want to rely on my parents. I already babysit and there's no newspaper rounds at the minute. Where can I get employed and how much for? Thankss x

[Pigletion]

http://www.direct.gov...itiesatwork/DG_066272

Tells you the law etc. You're not eligible for minimum wage until you're school-leaving age (16).

It will be really difficult to get a job at the moment, due to the high levels of unemployment. By law you're not allowed to work many hours, only two on a weekday or Sunday and five on a Saturday, so you're not a good prospect for most employers in the current climate. Could be a Saturday lunch waitress, but bear in mind your restricted hours are not necessarily appealing to employers.

Maybe try and increase your baby-sitting, ask the people you baby sit for if they have any close friends or family that you could also work for (as long as they know them and it is safe). Or offer to do odd jobs for family like raking leaves, cleaning out garage etc. Not terribly exciting, but you could probably earn a bit this way at this time of year. Do your parents/relatives run a business, or know anyone that does, who could give you a Saturday job? You're not eligible for minimum wage, so make sure you're not exploited (that's why I suggested friends/family). Also, got any clothes/shoes you no longer wear, but are in good condition, could eBay them (or any other random stuff that's cluttering up your room).

Good luck

[Clanad]

I've only just now seen your post, so sorry for the delay.

However, here in the U.S., there's a group of 4 kids I know that have set up their own business. It's very minimal as far as "setting up", since what they offer is neighborhood window washing services. The kids range in age from 13 to 15. They simply went door to door and asked if they homwowner would like to have their windows washed. They do an excellent job, which is what gets them repeat business. They each have a small step ladder, a bucket with water and straight ammonia, a sheepskin washer and a device we call a squeegee... an inexpensive rubber bladed handle which really does a good job. They have a screw in extension handle for taller windows that fits both the sheepskin washer and the squeegee. In addition they have a supply of used terry towels they've cut into squares for wiping the sueegee and the edges of the windows.

They don't, at present, accept windows more than 8 feet above the ground level. For a standard house with maybe 8 to 10 windows of various sizes, they charge $25 to $35 (U.S. of course) and each job takes them perhaps half an hour to 45 minutes. They get loads of repeat business as well as additional business by word-of-mouth. They are really busy after a rain or dust storm and are very attentive at taking care of the customers as soon after the received call as possible.

(Contd.)

[Clanad]

(Contd.)

Here in the U.S. we have what are called "Green River" laws licensing door to door sales. The kids, along with their parents, checked on that aspect and found that the door-to-door laws applied to salesmen (persons?) selling things other than services. The kids dress in junior versions of workmens clothes (chino pants and shirts) (one of them is a girl, by the way) and are very well mannered and always follow up with the homeowner (or renter) to see if they are satisfied. I know one of the Dads and in six months time the kids have earned over $2,000. The parents assure that 75% of the funds are put in savings accounts and the kids are free to manage the other 25%. They have to buy their own supplies, and the venture has turned them into hard core capitalist business kids...

Just an idea whose time has come maybe?

[saxy_jag]

It's very hard work, I know, and cold too, I'd imagine, but have you thought about asking one or two of your local market traders if they need anyone for Saturdays?

Pigletion's idea of asking parents/family with businesses is a good one too. My dad, back in the day, used to run a small hosiery factory with a couple of friends. One of their sons and I were about the same age, and we'd do all sorts of odd jobs around the place for a little cash. The main work was packing ladies' tights ready for sale, and I'd take some to school and sell them at a profit. And it wouldn't be legal now, but we also used to go around the knitting machines, taking out and quality-checking the finished items, then packing them into bags ready to go to the dyers. We got the grand sum of 50p an hourfor that, but it was in 1974.

Another thought - I'm reknowned in my family for the quality of my gift wrapping. They bring stuff to me and ask me to wrap it for them. What about offering a similar service? Or you could make and sell stuff like christmas cards, decorations or those little packets and jars of sweets, soaps and other goodies that people like to spend their money on at Christmas. Think of something you're good at and then see if there's a way people might pay you to do it.

As Pigletion says, you're not entitled to minimum wage until you're 16. Minimum wage at that age is £3.57 an hour. I don't think you'd be unreasonable in charging around £2 an hour, but do get an adult to check the legality and safety regulations of any enterprise you decide to embark upon. Selling home-made cakes and jams, for instance, involves a whole host of hygiene regulations.

Good luck with whatever you try.