Part Time Jobs For 15 and 16 Year Olds

Although we associate teenage with fun and frolic, it is also a time when important skills like time management, interaction with customers, and doing simple accounting work can be gained, by working at part time jobs. There are a large number of jobs for teens that can be used as an alternative way of earning pocket money. Not only does it give teenagers a sense of independence, but it also helps learn important values.

Part Time Jobs For 15 and 16 Year Olds

• Waiter/Waitress: A job as a waiter or waitress is a good option for a 16 year old. Not only can one earn anywhere between $9 to $12 an hour, the earnings accrued from tips could be a handsome addition to the regular wage. Most people that visit a restaurant don't come just to have good food. They come to relax and have a good time. Besides being served food efficiently, a young waiter who talks to them politely with a smile on his face will make the diners enjoy their time at the restaurant. Not only will it enhance the server's chance to earn a bigger tip, but it will also polish his communication skills and help him gain a good name among the restaurant customers. All this will help a teenager in applying for related jobs in future.
• Work in a Library: If one is fond of books, working in a library is another suitable employment avenue. Besides the pay being good, it offers a lot of free time when students can actually sit and finish homework. So on returning home, one would have time to hang around with friends or just relax. Moreover, one could also refer to the books in the library for projects. Hence, working in the library is an excellent part time job for teens, specially for school students.
• Work as a Poser: A suitable part time for a 15 year old would be that of a 'poser', who would assist a photographer to arrange individuals in positions for the photograph to be clicked. Contacting local photographers or wedding planners could be a good way to start. The hourly pay of a poser is good. It could be anywhere between $10-$12 per hour.
• Work in a Store: Working in a retail store or a grocery store is a great way to earn that extra cash one always seem to fall short of. For most teens it is these stores that serve as an introduction to the world of jobs. Besides being a good source of income, teens have a safe environment to work in. Such jobs provide good training for a career in management, and also helps to develop good work ethics. A 16 year old could also work as a clerk or cashier at these stores. The requirement at these stores is maximum during the weekends and other peak hours. The flexible timings of such jobs is an added advantage for students seeking part time jobs.
• Baby Sitting: Although baby sitting is also a popular part time job with many teens, it is advisable for those on a mature side and with a flair for handling kids to take up such jobs. It is best to take up baby sitting jobs with kids of an age that one is most comfortable with. Sometimes one can also team up with a friend in case there are a large number of kids in a household.
• Window Cleaning: Window cleaning could also be taken up by teenagers to earn some extra money. All that is required is some window cleaning tools like a bucket, window cleaning liquid, sponge, and a small step ladder. One could charge around $1 per window panel. However, one should be careful about not volunteering to clean windows of the upper floors.
• Stand-in for Goods Delivery: A 15 or 16 year old can be a useful proxy or stand-in for neighbors to allow delivery of goods and packages to their homes and apartments. However, one should be sure of acquiring the authority to sign receipts that one might have to sign to receive the packages.
• Gardening: Most of us are fond of gardening and one might be surprised to see that job of a garden help might be more easily available than thought. Helping a neighbor in weeding and cleaning the garden and planting new plants can fetch some good money. Gardening jobs are taken up as part time jobs by many college students. Not only do such jobs serve as a good source of income, but teens can also learn a lot about nature while working in the garden.
• Internet Jobs: There are ways of making money through online jobs like clicking on ads or visiting sites and signing up with them. However, the flip side is that such online jobs pay very less. A better paying internet job for teens is to participate in online surveys. These are quite simple surveys that usually ask one about his/ her opinion and ideas. Many companies use these ideas to make products specific for teenagers.

There are loads of jobs that do not require the perfection and knowledge that adults have. As one enters their teens, a number of avenues open up for them to earn and pay their cell phone bills or to save for their first car when they turn 16. Just a proper knowledge of the part time jobs available for teens will help them get that extra cash that they always seem to need.