According to the U.S. Department of Labor, you can only do certain of jobs if you are under 14:
- delivering newspapers (paperboy)
- babysitting
- movies, tv, radio or theater actor or performer
- gathering evergreens and making evergreen wreaths as a homeworker
- work at your own family business as long as it is not as listed as hazardous occupations
1. Paperboy, Delivering Newspaper
Can 12 year olds work as a paperboy? Well, paperboy these days no longer rides bicycle like the old days, quoting from Oregonian Media Group, one of news source in the Pacific Northwest, their requirement to be paperboy is at least 18 year olds and having own vehicle. So you can be paperboy only if you are accompanying an adult.
2. Babysitting Smaller Kids
Taking care of younger kids may be fun or the contrary, a disaster. You need to know basic knowledge about how to stay safe, how to handle with unwanted behaviors, what to do in case of emergency and how to choose age-appropriate activities. You can learn the skills from YouTube, blogs, or join babysitting training or lesson. The American Red Cross’ Babysitting & Child Care Training for example is designed for youth ages 11 and older to prepare them to be better babysitters.
3. Be An Actor or Performer
Nowadays, you don’t have to be on TV to be an actor or performer. Thanks to the internet, you can be a content creator, actor, singer, or anything else. According to the story from CBC, Justin Bieber’s mom posted his performance video on YouTube when he was 12, even though it started with him singing for a local competition. It was actually just for their family and friends to see. So why don’t you start uploading a video on YouTube about yourself doing something? And now it’s not only YouTube, you have Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Keep in mind that you need an adult to create your channel since kids under 13 are not allowed to have accounts.
4. Gathering Evergreens and Making Wreaths
It’s making crafts, you gather flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs and other materials to make a house ornament or decoration. Then you sell them on eBay or Etsy using your parents’ account. Well actually, you can sell any things on eBay, just like how Nandry Guffey of rural Kentucky listed old Nintendo Game Station that she got at a yard sale for $10 on eBay auction and grossed over $100 when she was still 12.
5. Lawn Mower
According to UW Health, children at age 12 and older can use a push mower and by age 16 they can use a riding mower. So yes you can mow your neighbord lawn but with the proper equipment.
6. Tutoring
If you think you are smart and confident, you can ask your family, neighbors, community centers if there are smaller kids need private tutoring or help with their homework, mostly in math, reading, and writing. No need to apply at online tutoring platforms like Skooli, TutorMe because they will not accept your application.
7. Modelling
Certain fashion companies adn department stores such as Kohl’s, or Abercrombie & Fitch might hire you as their model. You can read more about modelling jobs for teens.
8. Pet-Walking
If you care to animals, ask your local pet stores if you can help them. As a 12 year old you might keep the size of dogs medium and smaller.
9. Online Jobs
It’s important to know that most job boards have age restrictions, so you won’t be able to apply jobs posted on the internet when you are under 14. However, there are still ways to explore work opportunities! You could start by looking for local jobs in your neighborhood suitable for your age. Additionally, if you are curious about working from home jobs, there are resources available to learn more about online jobs for teens.