Online Jobs for Teens & High School Graduates

School’s out! While some high school graduates are looking forward to a summer of bumming around before heading off to college, others are anxious to get to work and start making some money.

While we usually think of jobs at the mall and fast food joints, there are several work-at-home opportunities and at-home jobs for teens and young adults. Working from home offers a few benefits in addition to earning a paycheck. Many opportunities offer a lot of flexibility for those who would still like to enjoy the warm weather and friends. That flexibility may also allow them to take these jobs with them to college, and maybe even earn some college credit.

Chloe & Isabel

I’m a big fan of direct selling for both responsible teens and adults. As it’s commission-based pay, you’ll learn the importance of working hard and customer service. And with a duplicated business model, your investment and risk are low.

Chloe & Isabel is a company that offers trendy, affordable jewelry. I like this opportunity for teens because it appeals to a wide audience. Your market isn’t limited to broke teens. You can sell online or in-person. 

Chloe & Isabel also offers a college merchandiser program called G.E.M., if you will be heading off to college in the fall.

Starting a home business can teach teens a lot of important skills they may not learn in a traditional work environment. In addition to the usual money and time management, they can also learn the important communication and sales skills that come from nurturing relationships with personal clients and customers.

Virtual Assistant

Becoming a VA doesn’t require a degree or, in many cases, any specialized training. Some online business owners and bloggers looking for affordable help prefer to teach their assistants their way of doing things. Sites like Fancy Hands also hire online VAs to complete small tasks. 

If you have writing, social media, or WordPress skills, approach small local businesses, bloggers or online business owners offering your skills. Design skills are also always in demand. 

I have seen several job listings for social media and blogging interns on Indeed recently. I wouldn’t recommend working for free unless the experience will count as college credit. Always ask about pay when it comes to intern positions if it isn’t clearly stated in the job description. Once you have the skills, you will be able to attract additional clients with ease.

Gaming Support

Gamers from all walks of life are in-demand and many are working online. For example, you can get paid $.25 per word when writing an article for Polygon. I also see calls for customer service reps regularly on FlexJobs and Sutherland.

Customer Service

I earned a really good paycheck in high school as a telemarketer. It isn’t a dream job, but it pays decent and there are at-home jobs galore in this industry. Most only require you be 18 years of age or older and have some customer service experience. You’ll also need a quiet work environment and high speed internet. Check out this huge list of at-home customer service jobs for opportunities. If you graduated early, or still have a little schooling left to go, U-Haul hires those as young as 16.

Handmade Seller

There are so many teens creating amazing things today. Whether it’s jewelry, original t-shirt designs or custom wall prints, get out there and sell it. Set up a table at local outdoor vendor events and flea markets. Get your stuff listed on Etsy.

You may have an advantage as a young seller. I have to admit I have a soft spot for young entrepreneurs. A lot of others do, too!

Tutoring

There are organizations across the U.S. that help connect teen tutors with those in need of their services. There is also a lot of opportunity to break out on your own locally or offer your services online.

I spotted numerous requests for tutors on Care.com. You can also apply with Cambly. 

Transcription

If you have great typing and listening skills, you will be happy to know there are many companies that hire transcriptionists without prior experience. You will be paid by the audio hour, so the faster and more accurately you can complete assignments, the more you can get paid.

GMR Transcription and Tigerfish are two companies that hire newcomers.