Since you are in middle school, your parents might be reluctant to give you a job. Even if they do, your weekly earnings may not be enough to support yourself.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that you can earn money as a 15-year-old without getting mom and dad involved or becoming employed at an actual business. Here are some ideas on how to make extra cash!
1. Sell candy bars
One easy way for 15-year-olds to make money is by selling chocolate bars door-to-door around their neighborhood during the Halloween season.
This will likely yield the best results for high schoolers since there are fewer kids in middle school compared to elementary or high schools who would buy bars during this time of the year.
2. Getting babysitting jobs
Since there are more kids in the elementary school grades than high school, there are also more middle schoolers who might need babysitters.
You can find babysitting jobs on websites like Sittercity or Care.com. These jobs don't offer a ton of money, but they are great for getting some extra cash!
And if you want to avoid paying for childcare during your next family vacation, you can even become an au pair through this site by becoming a nanny abroad!
3. Sell lemonade
Lemonade stands have been used as a way to make quick cash for decades now and it's still going strong today! If you live within walking distance from any stores or sidewalks, this is a great way to make some extra money when you're bored during the summer.
If you want to be really ambitious, try running your lemonade stand event on a day when it's hot outside and sell snow cones instead!
4. Sell stuff online
Do any of your family members ever ask you if you would like to get rid of old items? If so, you might consider selling them online. Sites like Craigslist or eBay allow anyone with an email address to post free classified ads which can be used for buying or selling practically anything!
You can use these sites to earn money by doing things like selling clothes that no longer fit, trying out different products before anyone else does, and even selling old homework that you did in school.
5. Freelance work
If you have any skills that could help other people out, you might consider working as a freelance worker. It's an easy way to make money while doing things that you love or are good at.
This could be anything from graphic design, programming, tutoring, writing, arts and crafts, and even entertainment such as DJing.
6. Be a busboy/busgirl
If you're nervous about asking your boss for a raise, you might consider working as a busser in your restaurant of choice instead.
They usually pay more than the waiters and waitresses because they do many different tasks like clearing plates off tables, filling up drinks and bread baskets before customers come in to eat, and taking out the trash after meals are over.
If you work really hard at it during slow hours when there aren't any customers around, maybe your boss will give you a raise or even promote you to waiter or waitress!
7. Babysit younger siblings
Believe it or not, babysitting can actually be one of the easiest ways for 15-year-olds to make money. If you have younger siblings that your parents want to go out and leave with someone else, offer to babysit them instead and charge your parents a fee!
Make sure that they know ahead of time what tasks you will do as their babysitter like keeping an eye on them at all times, getting them snacks and drinks if needed, and putting them in bed at a reasonable hour.
8. Get a part-time job
The final way for teenagers to earn money is by finding a part-time or full-time job that is offered in their area.
Many fast-food restaurants are great places for teenagers to work because they're not difficult to get hired at and usually offer discounts on the food.
If you're nervous about getting a job where there are other people around, maybe you could find a job working from home instead, like writing articles online.
Once you get your first paycheck, make sure to put some of your money away in a savings account so that when you do need it, later on, you'll have it!
9. Sell things around the neighborhood
If working for someone else isn't exactly what you're looking for, then perhaps try selling items around your neighborhood instead.
You can sell lemonade or snow cones like mentioned earlier, but if it's wintertime and not very nice outside, maybe try shoveling driveways and sidewalks for some extra cash. For all of these jobs, be sure to bring an adult with you if they are under 18 years old.
This way they know where you are at all times and can help protect both of you!
10. Sell things online
If you have a lot of stuff around your house that you don't want anymore, try selling them online. There are sites like Craigslist or eBay that allow anyone with an email address to post classified ads where people can buy and sell practically anything.
You can use these sites to earn money by doing things like selling clothes that no longer fit, trying out different products before anyone else does, and even selling old homework that you did in school.
If you're a 15-year old trying to figure out how to earn money, there are tons of ways that work for any age. You can find them in your neighborhood or online. The most important thing is just being creative and thinking outside the box!
Once you get your first paycheck, make sure to put some of your money away in a savings account so that when you do need it, later on, you'll have it!