32 Jobs For Pre Teens (Junior Gardeners Grow!)

Are you a pre-teen looking to earn some extra pocket money? Love the idea of being productive and learning new skills?
Then, you’re in for a treat!
Today, we’re exploring a list of perfect jobs suitable for pre-teens.
From dog walking to babysitting. Each one of these jobs is a perfect fit for those who are keen to start their work journey early.
Imagine mastering responsibility and time management skills. Day in, day out.
Sounds pretty cool, right?
So, find your comfortable study spot.
And get ready to discover your dream pre-teen job!
Babysitter
Average Salary: $10 – $20 per hour per year
Babysitters provide care for children on behalf of the children’s parents or guardians.
Their role is crucial in ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children while their parents are away.
This role is ideal for pre-teens who enjoy spending time with younger kids and have a sense of responsibility, patience, and caring nature.
Job Duties:
- Supervising Children: Keep an eye on the children’s activities, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Engaging in Play: Lead fun and educational games, crafts, or activities that are age-appropriate for the children.
- Meal Preparation: Prepare snacks or light meals and assist younger children with feeding if necessary.
- Bedtime Routine: Help children get ready for bed, including changing into pajamas, brushing teeth, and reading bedtime stories.
- Homework Help: Assist school-aged children with homework or learning activities.
- Light Housekeeping: Tidy up play areas and wash dishes or bottles used during the babysitting period.
Requirements:
- Responsible and Reliable: A strong sense of responsibility and dependability is crucial for ensuring the safety and care of children.
- Communication Skills: Good verbal communication skills to interact with children and understand their needs.
- Patience: Ability to remain calm and patient with children, especially when dealing with challenging behavior.
- First Aid and CPR Knowledge: Basic knowledge of first aid and CPR can be very beneficial for handling emergencies.
- Adaptability: Be able to adapt to different household rules and routines and be flexible in dealing with the unexpected.
Career Path and Growth:
Babysitting can provide valuable experience in childcare that can be beneficial for future career paths in teaching, pediatric care, or child psychology.
With experience, pre-teens can grow their babysitting services, gain more clients, and even mentor newer babysitters.
They may also pursue formal certifications in childcare, which can lead to professional nanny positions or roles in daycare centers.
Dog Walker
Typical Earnings: $10 – $20 per hour
Dog Walkers provide exercise and companionship for dogs, offering their services to pet owners who may not have the time to walk their dogs during the day.
This role is perfect for animal-loving pre-teens who enjoy spending time outdoors and caring for pets.
Job Duties:
- Providing Exercise and Companionship: Take dogs on walks to ensure they get sufficient physical activity and social interaction.
- Following Owner Instructions: Adhere to specific guidelines set by pet owners regarding the care of their dogs, including walking routes, feeding, and any medication requirements.
- Ensuring Safety: Keep the dogs safe during walks, avoiding potentially dangerous situations with other animals and traffic.
- Handling Multiple Dogs: Capable of walking more than one dog at a time, if needed, while maintaining control and ensuring each dog’s needs are met.
- Providing Updates: Communicate with the dog owners about their pet’s behavior, any incidents that occurred during the walk, and any observed health issues.
- Staying Informed: Understand dog behavior and body language to ensure a positive experience for the dogs and prevent conflicts.
Requirements:
- Love for Animals: A genuine affection for dogs and a commitment to their well-being.
- Physical Fitness: Good physical condition to walk and handle dogs of various sizes and breeds.
- Reliability: Dependable and punctual in arriving for scheduled walks.
- Responsibility: Capable of being trusted to care for someone’s pet and follow through on commitments.
- Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with pet owners and build trust with both the clients and their pets.
Career Path and Growth:
Working as a Dog Walker can be a stepping stone to other opportunities in the pet care industry.
With experience, pre-teens can learn valuable skills that could lead to starting their own pet-sitting business, working at a veterinary clinic, or pursuing a career in animal welfare or training.
Lawn Mowing Assistant
Average Salary: $10 – $15 per hour per year
Lawn Mowing Assistants help maintain and beautify lawns and gardens for private residences, businesses, or public parks.
This role is perfect for preteens who enjoy outdoor work and have an interest in gardening or landscaping.
Job Duties:
- Mowing Lawns: Operate lawn mowers to trim grass to a specified height, ensuring a neat and tidy appearance.
- Edging and Trimming: Use trimmers and edgers to neaten the borders of the lawn, around walkways, and flower beds.
- Basic Landscaping Maintenance: Assist in weeding, planting, and mulching to keep gardens looking their best.
- Cleaning Up: Ensure all grass clippings and yard waste are collected and properly disposed of, leaving a clean work area.
- Equipment Care: Help in maintaining equipment by cleaning and storing tools properly after use.
- Learning and Applying Safety Procedures: Follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents while using lawn care equipment.
Requirements:
- Age-appropriate Physical Fitness: Capable of handling manual tasks and operating lawn care tools safely (with adult supervision if required).
- Attention to Detail: Ability to follow instructions and pay attention to the finer details of lawn care.
- Responsibility: Demonstrates a responsible attitude towards the tasks and respect for the property being worked on.
- Willingness to Learn: Eager to learn more about lawn care and landscaping techniques.
- Teamwork: Ability to work well with others, taking direction from a supervisor or lead landscaper.
Career Path and Growth:
Starting as a Lawn Mowing Assistant provides a solid foundation in the basics of lawn care and landscaping.
With experience and as preteens grow older, they could take on more complex duties, operate a wider range of equipment, or even start their own lawn care service.
This job teaches valuable skills in time management, work ethic, and customer service that are useful in many future career paths.
Lemonade Stand Operator
Average Earnings: $5 – $30 per day (depending on location and demand)
Lemonade Stand Operators manage and run their own small beverage service, selling refreshing lemonade to the public.
This role is ideal for pre-teens who are interested in entrepreneurship and want to learn the basics of running a business.
Job Duties:
- Preparing the Product: Make delicious lemonade recipes, ensuring quality and taste for customers.
- Money Management: Handle cash transactions, give correct change, and track sales for the day.
- Customer Service: Greet customers with a smile and provide friendly service to encourage repeat business.
- Marketing: Create signs and promotional materials to attract passersby to your lemonade stand.
- Health and Safety: Maintain a clean and hygienic stand to meet health standards and keep customers safe.
- Learning Business Basics: Gain experience in budgeting, cost management, and understanding profit margins.
Requirements:
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: A willingness to learn and a desire to run your own small business.
- Communication Skills: Good verbal communication skills to interact positively with customers.
- Basic Math Skills: Ability to handle money, make change, and calculate costs and earnings.
- Customer Focus: A friendly attitude and customer-oriented approach to service.
- Creativity: An eye for presentation and marketing to make your stand appealing.
Career Path and Growth:
Operating a lemonade stand is a fantastic first step into the world of business for pre-teens.
This experience teaches valuable skills such as responsibility, money management, and customer service.
As operators gain experience, they can expand their stand, experiment with new recipes, or even mentor peers in starting their own stands.
The skills learned here can lay the groundwork for future endeavors in various industries.
Newspaper Deliverer
Average Salary: Variable (often per paper or route) per year
Newspaper Deliverers are responsible for distributing newspapers to subscribers within a specific area, typically early in the morning before most people start their day.
This role is ideal for pre-teens looking to earn some extra money while enjoying the fresh morning air and getting some exercise.
Job Duties:
- Timely Delivery: Ensure newspapers are delivered to subscribers’ doorsteps or mailboxes by the designated time each morning.
- Route Management: Manage and learn the delivery route efficiently, which may involve riding a bike or walking.
- Customer Service: Address any concerns or issues subscribers might have with their delivery service.
- Maintaining Records: Keep track of deliveries and report any changes in subscriber status to the newspaper company.
- Collection of Payments: In some cases, collect weekly or monthly payments from subscribers.
- Weather Adaptability: Be prepared to deliver newspapers in various weather conditions, ensuring reliability.
Requirements:
- Age and Permits: Depending on local laws, pre-teens may need a work permit or may be restricted to certain hours.
- Responsibility: Ability to work independently and reliably complete the delivery route on time.
- Physical Stamina: Capable of walking or biking for the duration of the delivery route, often early in the morning.
- Communication Skills: Good interpersonal skills to interact with subscribers and handle any customer service issues.
- Basic Math Skills: For handling payments and making change if required.
Career Path and Growth:
Starting as a Newspaper Deliverer is a great way for pre-teens to learn the value of hard work, punctuality, and responsibility.
As they grow older, they might take on more extensive routes, become a supervisor for a group of deliverers, or transition into other roles within the newspaper company, such as customer service, marketing, or sales.
It’s also an excellent first job experience that can be built upon in various future career paths.
Car Washer
Average Salary: $10,000 – $20,000 (part-time) per year
Car Washers are responsible for cleaning vehicles, both inside and out, ensuring they look their best for customers.
This role is ideal for pre-teens who enjoy hands-on activities and take pride in seeing a job well done.
Job Duties:
- Cleaning Vehicles: Wash the exterior of vehicles, using soap, water, and brushes to remove dirt and grime.
- Vacuuming Interiors: Clean the inside of the car by vacuuming carpets and upholstery to remove dust and debris.
- Window Cleaning: Ensure all vehicle windows and mirrors are spotless and streak-free for optimal visibility and presentation.
- Detailing: Perform additional detailing tasks such as waxing the exterior or applying protectants to interiors as needed.
- Quality Checks: Conduct final inspections of vehicles to make sure every detail meets customer satisfaction.
- Maintenance of Work Area: Keep the car wash area clean and organized, maintaining a safe environment for both workers and customers.
Requirements:
- Physical Fitness: Ability to perform physical tasks such as bending, stooping, and lifting.
- Attention to Detail: Keen eye for cleanliness and thoroughness in all aspects of the car washing process.
- Teamwork: Willingness to work cooperatively with others and follow directions from supervisors.
- Customer Service: Friendly and professional attitude when interacting with customers.
- Reliability: Dependable nature, with a commitment to showing up on time and completing tasks efficiently.
Career Path and Growth:
Starting as a Car Washer is a great way to learn responsibility, work ethic, and the value of earning your own money.
With time and experience, pre-teens can learn more about vehicle maintenance and care, potentially paving the way for future opportunities in the automotive industry.
Dedicated Car Washers might progress to supervisory roles or eventually manage or own a car wash business.
Plant Waterer
Average Salary: Pocket Money to Part-Time Wages per year
Plant Waterers are responsible for maintaining the health and beauty of plants in homes, schools, or local businesses.
This role is perfect for pre-teens who enjoy spending time outdoors and have an interest in nature and botany.
Job Duties:
- Watering Plants: Ensure all designated plants receive the right amount of water, depending on their specific needs.
- Monitoring Plant Health: Keep an eye on the plants’ well-being and report any signs of distress or disease.
- Learning About Plant Care: Gain knowledge about different plant species and their requirements for sunlight, water, and soil.
- Assisting with Garden Maintenance: Help with basic gardening tasks such as weeding and trimming, under supervision if needed.
- Communicating with Plant Owners: Provide updates to plant owners about the condition of their plants and any care recommendations.
- Being Dependable: Show reliability by adhering to a watering schedule and showing up consistently to care for the plants.
Requirements:
- Interest in Plants: A curiosity about and willingness to learn how to take care of different types of plants.
- Responsibility: Ability to take on the responsibility of caring for living things and understanding the importance of regular maintenance.
- Attention to Detail: Noticing changes in plant health and ensuring each plant gets the appropriate amount of care.
- Communication Skills: Being able to effectively communicate with plant owners about the services provided and the condition of their plants.
- Physical Ability: Being able to carry water and perform light physical tasks related to plant care.
Career Path and Growth:
Starting as a Plant Waterer can ignite a lifelong passion for horticulture and environmental stewardship.
As pre-teens grow, they can expand their services to include more complex gardening tasks, potentially starting their own small gardening business or working in local nurseries or botanical gardens.
This early experience can also be a stepping stone to careers in environmental science, landscape design, or botany.
Pet Sitter
Average Salary: $10 – $20 per hour per year
Pet Sitters provide care for pets while their owners are away, ensuring that the animals are fed, exercised, and given plenty of affection.
This role is ideal for pre-teens who love animals and are looking for a rewarding and fun job experience.
Job Duties:
- Feeding and Watering: Ensure that pets are fed and have fresh water at all times, adhering to specific dietary requirements if necessary.
- Exercise and Playtime: Engage pets in appropriate play and exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
- Companionship: Provide pets with companionship and attention to help reduce their stress while their owners are away.
- Maintaining Pet Routines: Keep up with pets’ regular routines, including feeding schedules, walks, and any medication administration.
- Cleaning Up: Responsible for cleaning up after pets, including litter box maintenance, waste disposal, and tidying up any messes.
- Monitoring Health: Keep an eye on the pets’ well-being, and report any health concerns to the owners.
Requirements:
- Love for Animals: A genuine affection for pets and a desire to care for them.
- Responsibility: The ability to take on the responsibility of looking after someone else’s pet as if it were your own.
- Reliability: Must be dependable and punctual to maintain the trust of pet owners.
- Basic Pet Care Knowledge: Understanding of basic pet needs and signs of distress or illness.
- Communication Skills: Good communication skills to interact with pet owners and provide updates on their pets.
Career Path and Growth:
Starting as a Pet Sitter can be the first step in a career working with animals.
Pre-teens can develop valuable skills such as time management, responsibility, and customer service.
With experience, they can expand their services, take care of a wider variety of animals, or even start a small pet sitting business.
As they grow older, they might pursue further education and careers in veterinary services, animal training, or animal welfare organizations.
House Cleaner Assistant
Average Salary: $10,000 – $25,000 (Part-time) per year
House Cleaner Assistants help maintain homes by performing various cleaning tasks under the guidance of a professional house cleaner.
This role is ideal for pre-teens who are looking to earn some money while learning responsibility and the importance of cleanliness.
Job Duties:
- Assisting with Cleaning Tasks: Work alongside a professional house cleaner to complete tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and organizing.
- Learning Proper Cleaning Techniques: Gain knowledge about the correct use of cleaning products and equipment to ensure efficiency and safety.
- Helping with Laundry: Assist in washing, drying, and folding clothes as required.
- Maintaining Supplies: Help in keeping track of cleaning supplies and notifying the supervisor when restocking is needed.
- Customer Interaction: Develop customer service skills by interacting politely with homeowners and respecting their space and belongings.
- Adhering to Safety Practices: Learn and follow safety protocols to avoid accidents and damage to property.
Requirements:
- Age and Work Permit: Meet the legal age requirements for working in your area and obtain a work permit if necessary.
- Attention to Detail: Ability to carefully clean and organize areas without overlooking small details.
- Physical Stamina: Good physical health to perform tasks that may involve bending, lifting, and standing for extended periods.
- Following Instructions: Willingness to learn and follow specific instructions from a supervisor or homeowner.
- Reliability: Dependability in showing up on time and completing tasks as assigned.
Career Path and Growth:
For pre-teens interested in practical life skills and earning money, becoming a House Cleaner Assistant is a great start.
With experience, they can take on more responsibilities and potentially start their own cleaning services in the future.
This role can also serve as a stepping stone to other service-related jobs that require organization, customer service, and attention to detail.
Tutor for Younger Kids
Average Salary: $10 – $20 per hour per year
Tutors for younger kids provide personalized educational support to children typically in elementary school, covering a range of subjects based on the child’s needs.
This role is perfect for pre-teens who enjoy working with children and have a knack for explaining concepts in a fun and simple way.
Job Duties:
- Personalized Instruction: Offer one-on-one or small group assistance to younger children, helping them understand and master various subjects.
- Homework Help: Guide children through their homework assignments, ensuring they grasp the content and complete their tasks successfully.
- Developing Learning Materials: Create engaging learning aids such as flashcards, educational games, or activities to enhance understanding.
- Assessment of Progress: Monitor the academic progress of each child and adjust teaching methods to meet their individual learning styles and needs.
- Encouraging Curiosity: Foster a love for learning by encouraging questions and promoting an interactive educational environment.
- Patience and Adaptability: Demonstrate patience and the ability to adapt teaching strategies to suit the age and abilities of younger students.
Requirements:
- Knowledge of Subject Matter: Proficiency in the subjects you plan to tutor, such as math, reading, writing, or science.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain concepts clearly and in an age-appropriate manner.
- Enthusiasm for Teaching: A genuine interest in helping children learn and grow academically.
- Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport with children and engage them in the learning process.
- Patience: The ability to remain calm and patient when children struggle with learning new information.
Career Path and Growth:
As a tutor for younger kids, pre-teens have the opportunity to make a positive impact on a child’s educational journey.
With experience, tutors can specialize in certain subjects, work with a broader age range, or even start their own tutoring business.
This role can also pave the way for future careers in education, child psychology, or other child-focused professions.
Craft Seller (Etsy/eBay)
Average Salary: Variable (Depends on sales volume and product pricing) per year
Craft Sellers on platforms like Etsy and eBay create and market handmade or vintage items, and craft supplies to a global audience of buyers.
This role is perfect for pre-teens with a flair for creativity and a passion for making unique items, offering them the opportunity to earn money from their hobbies.
Job Duties:
- Creating Handmade Items: Design and produce original crafts, artwork, jewelry, or other items that appeal to online buyers.
- Setting Up Online Storefront: Establish an attractive and user-friendly shop on platforms like Etsy or eBay, including product listings and descriptions.
- Managing Inventory: Keep track of the stock, materials, and supplies needed for creating and selling your crafts.
- Photographing Products: Take high-quality photos of your products to showcase them effectively in your online listings.
- Customer Service: Communicate with customers, answer their questions, and handle any issues with orders or shipping.
- Marketing: Promote your shop through social media, word of mouth, or other marketing strategies to increase visibility and sales.
Requirements:
- Crafting Skills: Ability to create appealing and well-made craft items that attract buyers.
- Understanding of Online Sales Platforms: Familiarity with how Etsy, eBay, or similar platforms work, including listing items and managing sales.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: A self-starter mindset, with the drive to manage a small business and grow a customer base.
- Customer Relations: Good communication skills to engage with customers and maintain positive feedback.
- Photography: Basic skills in photographing products to present them in an attractive manner online.
Career Path and Growth:
As a Craft Seller, pre-teens can develop entrepreneurial skills, understand the basics of online retail, and hone their artistic abilities.
With time and experience, they can grow their online presence, expand their product range, and potentially turn a hobby into a full-time career.
Advanced opportunities may include branding their own line of products, teaching crafting workshops, or even opening a brick-and-mortar store.
Errand Runner for Neighbors
Potential Earnings: $5 – $15 per task
Errand Runners for Neighbors help out with everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, post office runs, or picking up prescriptions.
This role is perfect for pre-teens who are looking to earn some pocket money while helping out in their community.
Job Duties:
- Shopping Assistance: Assist neighbors with their grocery shopping needs, picking up items from the store and delivering them.
- Postal Runs: Drop off and collect packages or mail at the local post office for those unable to do so themselves.
- Prescription Pick-ups: Collect medications from the pharmacy on behalf of neighbors, ensuring privacy and timely delivery.
- Pet Care: Provide basic pet care services such as walking the dog or feeding pets when neighbors are away or unable to do so.
- Yard Work: Help with simple gardening tasks like watering plants, weeding, or sweeping leaves.
- Reliability: Ensure that all tasks are completed responsibly and on time, building trust with neighbors.
Requirements:
- Responsibility: Demonstrated ability to handle tasks with care and reliability.
- Communication Skills: Good verbal communication to understand neighbors’ needs and coordinate tasks effectively.
- Community Spirit: A friendly attitude and a willingness to help others in your neighborhood.
- Time Management: The ability to organize tasks and manage time well to complete errands promptly.
- Trustworthiness: Being dependable and maintaining the privacy of neighbors, especially when handling sensitive tasks like prescription pick-ups.
Career Path and Growth:
While Errand Running for Neighbors may not be a career, it offers valuable life skills for pre-teens.
It teaches them responsibility, time management, and customer service.
As pre-teens mature, the skills learned from running errands can be applied to more formal jobs in retail, customer service, or personal assistance roles.
This experience can also boost their confidence and independence, serving as a stepping stone towards their future careers.
Snow Shoveler
Average Salary: Variable based on location and demand per year
Snow Shovelers provide an essential service during the winter months, clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and other areas for safety and accessibility.
This role is perfect for pre-teens looking to earn some money during the snowy season while helping out their community.
Job Duties:
- Clearing Snow: Remove snow from designated areas using shovels and other snow-removal tools.
- Salt Application: Spread salt or sand on icy surfaces to prevent slipping and ensure safe passage.
- Equipment Maintenance: Keep shoveling tools and equipment in good working condition.
- Time Management: Efficiently manage time and prioritize areas that need to be cleared first, such as driveways and sidewalks.
- Customer Communication: Interact with clients to understand their specific needs and ensure satisfaction with the snow removal.
- Weather Monitoring: Stay informed about upcoming snowfalls or storms to prepare for increased demand.
Requirements:
- Physical Fitness: Ability to perform manual labor in cold and snowy conditions.
- Reliability: Commitment to work during the early hours and in inclement weather as needed.
- Responsibility: Taking care of the safety aspect of the job, ensuring that all cleared areas are safe for passage.
- Customer Service: Good communication skills to interact positively with clients.
- Preparedness: Dressing appropriately for cold weather and having the necessary gear to stay warm and safe while working.
Career Path and Growth:
Starting as a Snow Shoveler can teach pre-teens valuable lessons in work ethic, responsibility, and entrepreneurship.
With time and experience, young shovelers can expand their services, potentially hiring friends to create a small snow removal business or branching out into other seasonal jobs as they grow older.
Garage Sale Helper
Average Salary: Varies, often based on commission or hourly rate per year
Garage Sale Helpers assist with the organization and execution of garage sales, often in a neighborhood setting.
This role is perfect for pre-teens who want to earn some extra cash while learning about sales, negotiation, and organization.
Job Duties:
- Organizing Items for Sale: Help sort, price, and arrange items in a visually appealing and accessible manner.
- Customer Service: Greet and assist shoppers, answer questions about items for sale, and help carry purchases when necessary.
- Handling Transactions: Work with cash or digital payment methods to complete purchases and give correct change.
- Advertising: Aid in the promotion of the garage sale through flyers, online postings, or community boards.
- Setup and Cleanup: Assist in setting up tables and displays before the sale and cleaning up the area afterward.
- Learning Sales Techniques: Gain experience in how to attract customers and negotiate prices.
Requirements:
- No formal educational background is required, but basic math skills are helpful.
- Communication Skills: Good verbal communication skills to interact with a variety of customers.
- Enthusiasm for Sales: An interest in learning about retail and the basics of conducting sales.
- Customer Service: A friendly and helpful demeanor when dealing with shoppers.
- Adaptability: Ability to handle a fast-paced environment and different types of customer interactions.
Career Path and Growth:
Working as a Garage Sale Helper can be a stepping stone to more formal retail jobs in the future.
It provides foundational customer service and sales experience that can be valuable in a variety of career paths.
With time and experience, pre-teens can take on more responsibilities, such as managing their own garage sales, or transition into part-time jobs in local stores or markets as they grow older.
Community Garden Helper
Average Salary: Volunteer position – often unpaid per year
Community Garden Helpers assist in the maintenance and operation of local community gardens, contributing to sustainable urban agriculture and local food production.
This role is perfect for preteens who enjoy working with their hands, love nature, and want to learn more about gardening and sustainable living.
Job Duties:
- Assisting with Planting: Help with planting seeds, seedlings, and bulbs in the community garden beds.
- Watering and Weeding: Regularly water plants and remove weeds to promote healthy garden growth.
- Harvesting Produce: Gather ripe fruits, vegetables, and herbs, ensuring they are ready for community use or donation.
- Garden Clean-Up: Participate in keeping the garden tidy by picking up litter and organizing tools and supplies.
- Learning and Educating: Learn from experienced gardeners and share your knowledge with other volunteers and visitors.
- Composting: Contribute to composting efforts by collecting and managing appropriate organic waste for soil enrichment.
Requirements:
- Educational Background: No formal education required, but an interest in gardening and sustainability is beneficial.
- Physical Ability: Capable of engaging in physical tasks such as digging, lifting, and bending.
- Teamwork: Willingness to work cooperatively with others in a community setting.
- Enthusiasm for Gardening: A genuine interest in plants, nature, and the outdoors.
- Respect for Nature: An understanding of the importance of taking care of the environment and promoting ecological health.
Career Path and Growth:
As a Community Garden Helper, preteens have the opportunity to learn valuable skills in gardening, teamwork, and community service.
With experience, they can take on more responsibility within the garden, potentially leading to roles such as Community Garden Coordinator or pursuing further education in horticulture, agriculture, or environmental science.
It’s a great way to plant the seeds for a lifelong appreciation of the natural world and the importance of community involvement.
Local Library Aide
Average Salary: $10,000 – $25,000 (Part-time) per year
Local Library Aides assist in the daily operations of community libraries, supporting librarians and helping patrons find resources and information.
This role is ideal for pre-teens who enjoy reading, have a passion for books, and appreciate the importance of a well-organized and community-oriented library.
Job Duties:
- Assisting Patrons: Help library visitors locate books and resources, and answer basic questions about library services.
- Shelving and Organizing: Keep the library tidy by returning books to their proper places and organizing shelves for easy access.
- Check-in/Check-out Services: Assist with the circulation desk duties, including checking in and checking out library materials.
- Supporting Library Programs: Help set up and run library events such as reading hours, educational workshops, and community activities.
- Basic Administrative Tasks: Perform clerical duties such as answering phones, photocopying, and cataloging new materials.
- Encouraging Reading: Promote literacy and reading by assisting with displays and recommending books to peers and patrons.
Requirements:
- Educational Background: Being a student with good academic standing, and a willingness to learn new skills.
- Communication Skills: Good verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact with library patrons politely and helpfully.
- Love for Reading: A strong interest in books and reading, along with a desire to encourage others to engage in literature.
- Attention to Detail: The ability to pay attention to the organization of the library and accurately sort materials.
- Responsibility: Capable of handling library materials with care and following library rules and procedures.
Career Path and Growth:
Working as a Local Library Aide provides pre-teens with an early opportunity to develop customer service skills, organizational habits, and a sense of responsibility.
With time and experience, they may take on more complex roles within the library, lead their own reading groups or activities, or use this experience as a stepping stone to careers in education, literature, or library sciences.
Youth Sports Assistant Coach
Average Salary: $20,000 – $35,000 per year
Youth Sports Assistant Coaches help train and inspire young athletes in a variety of sports, such as soccer, basketball, baseball, or swimming.
This role is perfect for pre-teens who have a passion for sports and enjoy working with children to help them improve their athletic skills.
Job Duties:
- Assisting with Training: Support the head coach during practice sessions, helping to organize drills and provide individual feedback to players.
- Game Day Preparation: Help prepare the team for games by reviewing strategies and ensuring all players understand their roles.
- Mentoring Players: Provide guidance and encouragement to young athletes, helping them to build confidence and sportsmanship.
- Developing Practice Plans: Collaborate with the head coach to develop practice plans that focus on skill development and teamwork.
- Community Engagement: Engage with parents and the community to foster support for the team and promote the benefits of youth sports.
- Continued Learning: Stay informed about coaching techniques, child development in sports, and updates on rules and equipment.
Requirements:
- Educational Background: While no formal education is required, knowledge of the sport and experience playing at a competitive level is beneficial.
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear instructions and constructive feedback to young athletes.
- Enthusiasm for Sports: A deep love for the sport and a desire to inspire young players to enjoy the game and improve their skills.
- Leadership: Ability to assist in leading a team and maintaining discipline and focus among young athletes.
- Patience and Positivity: The ability to remain patient and positive, helping to create a supportive and enjoyable environment for players.
Career Path and Growth:
Being a Youth Sports Assistant Coach offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on children’s lives through sport.
With experience, assistant coaches can move into head coaching positions, specialize in coaching specific skills or age groups, or pursue further education in sports science and athlete development to enhance their coaching career.
Event Helper
Average Salary: $10 – $15 per hour per year
Event Helpers play a crucial role in the success of local events by setting up venues and ensuring cleanliness before, during, and after events.
This role is ideal for pre-teens who are looking to earn some extra money while being part of exciting local activities and gatherings.
Job Duties:
- Setting Up Event Spaces: Arrange chairs, tables, decorations, and other event equipment as per the event plan.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Keep the event area clean and tidy. This includes picking up litter, emptying trash bins, and cleaning spills during the event.
- Assisting Event Organizers: Help event coordinators with various tasks such as handing out programs, directing guests, and managing activity stations.
- Post-Event Breakdown: Take down decorations, dismantle equipment, and ensure the venue is left clean and orderly after the event concludes.
- Customer Service: Provide helpful and friendly assistance to event attendees, answering questions and directing them as needed.
- Teamwork: Work collaboratively with other event staff to ensure a smooth and successful event experience for all.
Requirements:
- Physical Fitness: Ability to perform physical tasks like lifting and moving chairs and tables.
- Attention to Detail: Ensure all aspects of the event setup meet the specified requirements.
- Responsibility: Reliable and punctual, with a strong sense of duty to complete assigned tasks.
- Communication Skills: Good interpersonal skills to interact effectively with team members and event attendees.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to handle various tasks and work in a dynamic event environment.
Career Path and Growth:
Being an Event Helper is a great starting point for pre-teens interested in the event planning and hospitality industry.
With experience, they can take on more responsibilities at events, possibly advancing to roles such as Event Coordinator Assistant or even leading their own small-scale events.
The skills learned as an Event Helper—teamwork, time management, and customer service—are valuable and transferable to many future career paths.
Drama Club Assistant
Average Salary: $0 – Volunteer Position per year
Drama Club Assistants help facilitate the activities of school or community drama clubs, providing support to the club coordinator and members.
This role is ideal for pre-teens who enjoy the performing arts and want to be involved in theater production and performance.
Job Duties:
- Supporting Rehearsals: Assist in organizing and running rehearsals, helping actors with their lines, and providing general assistance to the director.
- Assisting with Set Design: Help in the creation and painting of set pieces, and the arrangement of the performance space.
- Managing Costumes and Props: Keep track of costumes and props, ensuring they are ready for use and properly maintained.
- Helping with Auditions: Provide support during casting sessions, such as signing in participants and facilitating the audition process.
- Promoting Performances: Assist in marketing and promoting upcoming shows to increase attendance and support for the drama club.
- Learning Technical Skills: Gain experience in lighting, sound, and other technical aspects of theater production.
Requirements:
- Interest in Performing Arts: A passion for drama, theater, and the performing arts.
- Communication Skills: Good verbal and non-verbal communication abilities to interact with club members and assist in coordination.
- Team Player: Willingness to work collaboratively with others and support various aspects of the production.
- Responsibility: Capable of handling assigned tasks with maturity and reliability.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to take on different roles within the club as needed.
Career Path and Growth:
Being a Drama Club Assistant provides valuable experience in the world of theater and can spark a lifelong passion for the performing arts.
Pre-teens who start in this role can eventually take on more significant responsibilities within the club, such as stage management or directing.
It also lays the groundwork for future pursuits in acting, production, or theater education.
Greeting Card Maker
Average Salary: Variable (often entrepreneurial or project-based pay) per year
Greeting Card Makers create and design cards for various occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, and special events.
This role is ideal for pre-teens who enjoy crafting, being creative, and expressing emotions through art and words.
Job Duties:
- Designing Unique Cards: Use a variety of materials and techniques to create unique and personalized greeting cards for various occasions.
- Writing Messages: Compose thoughtful, funny, or heartfelt messages to include in the cards, catering to different audiences and relationships.
- Selecting Materials: Choose the right paper, decorations, and other materials to create high-quality and attractive cards.
- Understanding Trends: Stay up to date with popular themes, styles, and occasions to design cards that appeal to a wide audience.
- Marketing: Learn to promote and sell your cards to friends, family, or at local events, craft fairs, or online.
- Custom Orders: Take custom orders for personalized cards, working with clients to meet their specific needs.
Requirements:
- Creativity: A natural flair for art and design, and the ability to combine colors, textures, and materials effectively.
- Writing Skills: Good writing skills to craft messages that resonate with card recipients.
- Attention to Detail: Keen attention to detail to ensure a high-quality finish and presentation of cards.
- Time Management: Ability to manage time efficiently, especially when handling multiple card orders or projects.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: An interest in learning basic business skills to market and sell the cards.
Career Path and Growth:
Starting as a Greeting Card Maker can be the first step in exploring interests in art, design, and business.
With experience, pre-teens can expand their range of designs, take on more complex projects, or even start their own small greeting card business.
Skills gained in this role can lead to future opportunities in graphic design, marketing, or entrepreneurship.
Lawn Care Assistant
Average Salary: $10 – $15 per hour per year
Lawn Care Assistants help maintain and beautify outdoor spaces, such as gardens, parks, and residential lawns.
This role is perfect for pre-teens who enjoy working outdoors and have an interest in horticulture and landscaping.
Job Duties:
- Assisting with Lawn Maintenance: Help with mowing, trimming, and edging lawns to keep them looking neat and healthy.
- Gardening Tasks: Assist in planting flowers, weeding, and mulching to enhance the beauty of outdoor spaces.
- Tool and Equipment Care: Learn to properly clean and store lawn care tools and equipment.
- Supporting Irrigation Systems: Aid in the maintenance of sprinkler systems to ensure efficient watering of plants and lawns.
- Customer Service: Interact with clients respectfully and professionally, addressing any concerns they may have about their lawn care needs.
- Learning and Growth: Gain knowledge about various plants, lawn care techniques, and the essentials of landscaping.
Requirements:
- Physical Fitness: Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, bending, and standing for long periods.
- Willingness to Learn: Eagerness to acquire new skills related to lawn care and landscaping.
- Teamwork: Ability to work well with others, following instructions and contributing to team efforts.
- Attention to Detail: Keen eye for detail to ensure all tasks are completed thoroughly and lawns are well-manicured.
- Safety Awareness: Understanding of basic safety protocols when handling tools and equipment.
Career Path and Growth:
As a Lawn Care Assistant, pre-teens have the opportunity to learn valuable skills that can lead to future employment in landscaping, horticulture, or even starting their own lawn care business.
With time and experience, they can advance to more skilled roles, such as Lawn Care Specialist or Landscape Designer, and take on greater responsibilities in project management and client relations.
House Sitter
Average Salary: Varies (often negotiable or dependent on duration and responsibilities) per year
House Sitters take care of homes while the owners are away, ensuring that the house remains secure and well-maintained.
This role is ideal for pre-teens who are responsible and want to earn some money while helping neighbors feel at ease when they’re not home.
Job Duties:
- Maintaining Home Security: Regularly check locks on doors and windows to ensure the house is secure.
- Caring for Pets: Feed, walk, and provide general care for pets, if the home has any, following the owner’s instructions.
- Watering Plants: Take care of indoor and outdoor plants by watering them and making sure they get enough sunlight.
- Collecting Mail and Packages: Retrieve mail and packages to prevent them from piling up, which can be a sign that the house is unattended.
- Basic Cleaning: Perform light cleaning duties to keep the house tidy and welcoming for when the owners return.
- Reporting Issues: Communicate any issues or irregularities with the homeowner, such as maintenance needs or unexpected occurrences.
Requirements:
- Responsibility: A mature and responsible attitude to ensure the safety and proper care of the home and any pets.
- Trustworthiness: Being trustworthy is crucial, as homeowners are leaving their valuable possessions in your care.
- Communication Skills: Good communication skills to understand the homeowner’s instructions and to provide updates.
- Attention to Detail: Paying attention to small details that are part of the house sitting instructions.
- Flexibility: Ability to adapt to different home environments and routines.
Career Path and Growth:
Starting as a house sitter can be a great way for pre-teens to demonstrate their reliability and trustworthiness, which are valuable traits for future employment.
With a solid reputation, they may receive more frequent requests from neighbors or via referrals.
This early job experience can also be a stepping stone to more responsibilities, such as pet sitting, baby-sitting, or even managing a house sitting business as they grow older.
Newspaper Delivery Person
Potential Earnings: $10 – $15 per hour
Newspaper delivery people are responsible for distributing newspapers to subscribers within a specific area, often early in the morning.
This role is ideal for pre-teens looking to earn some extra money while engaging in physical activity and learning about responsibility and time management.
Job Duties:
- Morning Deliveries: Distribute newspapers to subscribers’ doorsteps or mailboxes, typically in the early morning hours.
- Route Management: Manage and memorize the delivery route to ensure timely and accurate deliveries.
- Customer Service: Address any customer concerns or questions regarding their newspaper delivery service.
- Record Keeping: Keep track of deliveries and any issues that arise to report back to the newspaper distributor.
- Weather Adaptability: Be prepared to make deliveries in various weather conditions, ensuring newspapers stay dry and in good condition.
- Vehicle Maintenance: For those using bicycles or other means of transport, maintaining the vehicle in good working order.
Requirements:
- Age and Legal Requirements: Meet the minimum age requirement for employment and have the legal right to work.
- Reliability: Dependable and able to commit to early morning hours on a regular basis.
- Physical Fitness: Capable of handling physical activity such as biking or walking for the duration of the delivery route.
- Navigation Skills: Ability to follow a map and efficiently navigate the delivery area.
- Communication Skills: Good communication abilities to interact with customers and resolve any delivery issues.
Career Path and Growth:
Starting as a newspaper delivery person can be a stepping stone to other jobs requiring discipline and punctuality.
It is a great way to build a work ethic at a young age, and for those interested in journalism or communications, it can provide an introduction to the industry.
With time and experience, pre-teens can take on more extensive delivery routes or even move into supervisory roles coordinating other delivery people.
Tutor for Elementary Students
Average Salary: $15,000 – $30,000 per year
Tutors for elementary students provide personalized educational support and guidance, typically in subjects like reading, writing, math, and science.
This role is perfect for pre-teens who have a knack for teaching and enjoy helping younger children succeed academically.
Job Duties:
- Personalized Instruction: Offer one-on-one or small group tutoring sessions to help students understand and master academic concepts.
- Homework Assistance: Provide support with daily assignments, ensuring students complete their work accurately and efficiently.
- Developing Study Strategies: Teach effective study and learning strategies tailored to each student’s needs and learning style.
- Assessment Preparation: Help students prepare for quizzes, tests, and standardized assessments by reviewing material and practicing test-taking skills.
- Progress Monitoring: Track students’ academic progress and adjust teaching methods to meet their evolving needs.
- Parent Communication: Keep parents informed about their child’s progress and suggest ways they can support learning at home.
Requirements:
- Educational Background: Proficiency in elementary-level subjects; a high school student or equivalent with strong academic records is often sufficient.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain concepts clearly and patiently to young children.
- Passion for Teaching: A genuine interest in helping children learn and grow, and the patience to work through academic challenges with them.
- Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport with students and create a positive, encouraging learning environment.
- Adaptability: Willingness to adapt teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and paces.
Career Path and Growth:
Tutoring elementary students is a rewarding job that can lay the foundation for a career in education.
With experience, tutors can specialize in specific subjects, work with a broader range of age groups, or even move into formal teaching roles.
This job also develops valuable skills like communication, patience, and adaptability, which are beneficial in any professional setting.
Library Assistant
Average Salary: $25,000 – $35,000 per year
Library Assistants facilitate the daily operations of a library, helping patrons find books and resources, and maintaining the organization of materials.
This role is ideal for pre-teens who enjoy reading, organizing, and helping others with their research or literary needs.
Job Duties:
- Assisting Library Patrons: Help patrons locate books and resources, check out and return items, and answer general questions about the library’s offerings.
- Organizing Materials: Ensure books, magazines, and other resources are properly shelved and catalogued for easy access.
- Supporting Library Programs: Assist with the setup and implementation of library events, such as reading hours for children, book clubs, or educational workshops.
- Maintaining a Quiet Environment: Monitor the library to maintain a quiet and orderly atmosphere for patrons to enjoy.
- Technical Assistance: Help patrons with basic computer and printer usage, and troubleshoot minor technical issues.
- Staying Informed: Keep up-to-date on the library’s new arrivals and available resources to effectively guide patrons.
Requirements:
- Educational Background: While formal education beyond high school is not typically required for pre-teens, a strong interest in reading and knowledge of a wide range of books is beneficial.
- Communication Skills: Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact positively with patrons of all ages.
- Organizational Skills: An aptitude for organizing materials efficiently and keeping track of library inventory.
- Customer Service: A friendly and helpful demeanor when assisting library patrons.
- Adaptability: Ability to perform a variety of tasks and adapt to the changing needs of the library and its patrons.
Career Path and Growth:
Working as a Library Assistant provides a foundational understanding of library operations and customer service.
Pre-teens in this role can develop valuable skills that can lead to more significant positions within the library system, such as a Library Technician or Librarian, with further education and experience.
It’s an excellent stepping stone for those who have a passion for literature and community service.
Plant Watering Service Provider
Average Salary: Varies widely, often paid per task or on an hourly basis per year
Plant Watering Service Providers cater to the needs of plants in homes, offices, or nurseries while owners are away or busy.
This role is perfect for pre-teens who have a green thumb and enjoy taking care of plants, helping them thrive.
Job Duties:
- Watering Plants: Provide the appropriate amount of water to different types of plants, ensuring their health and growth.
- Monitoring Plant Health: Check for signs of under-watering or over-watering and adjust care accordingly.
- Soil Moisture Assessment: Evaluate the moisture level of the soil to determine the necessity and frequency of watering.
- Plant Sitting: Take care of plants while clients are away, which may include moving plants to receive optimal light.
- Providing Basic Plant Care: Perform simple plant maintenance tasks, such as trimming dead leaves or adding fertilizer.
- Client Instructions: Follow specific care instructions provided by plant owners to meet individual plant needs.
Requirements:
- Knowledge of Plant Care: Understand the basics of plant maintenance and the specific needs of various plant species.
- Attention to Detail: Observe and respond to changes in plant health or soil moisture levels.
- Reliability: Show up consistently to care for plants as scheduled, as plant health depends on regular attention.
- Physical Ability: Capable of performing light physical tasks such as carrying water and bending to reach plants.
- Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with clients about their plant care needs and any issues observed.
Career Path and Growth:
Offering plant watering services can be an excellent introduction to responsibility and basic entrepreneurial skills for pre-teens.
As they gain experience and build a clientele, they can expand their services to include more comprehensive plant care, garden maintenance, or even start a small business related to plant care and gardening.
With time and interest, this can also lead to further educational pursuits in botany, horticulture, or environmental science.
Snow Shoveling Assistant
Average Salary: $10 – $15 per hour per year
Snow Shoveling Assistants help clear snow from driveways, sidewalks, and entryways during the winter season.
This role is perfect for pre-teens who enjoy physical activity outdoors and want to earn some money during the winter months.
Job Duties:
- Clearing Snow: Use shovels to remove snow from residential and commercial properties, ensuring clear and safe access.
- Salt Spreading: Apply salt to icy surfaces to prevent slips and falls for pedestrians and vehicles.
- Equipment Maintenance: Take care of shovels and other equipment, ensuring they are clean and in good working order.
- Time Management: Work efficiently to clear snow from multiple locations during peak snowfall times.
- Customer Service: Communicate courteously with clients, confirming their needs and ensuring satisfaction with the completed work.
- Weather Awareness: Stay informed about weather forecasts to prepare for upcoming snow shoveling jobs.
Requirements:
- Physical Stamina: Ability to perform physical labor in cold and snowy conditions for extended periods.
- Reliability: Dependable and punctual, showing up for scheduled jobs even in adverse weather.
- Attention to Detail: Ensure thorough clearing of snow and ice, paying attention to the safety of all surfaces.
- Proper Clothing: Dress appropriately for cold weather work, including gloves, boots, and layers to stay warm and dry.
- Teamwork: Ability to work well with others, especially if part of a snow shoveling crew.
Career Path and Growth:
Starting as a Snow Shoveling Assistant can teach pre-teens valuable lessons about hard work, responsibility, and managing their earnings.
As they gain experience, they could take on more clients, offer additional winter services like holiday decorations setup, or save up to purchase more advanced snow removal equipment.
Eventually, this could lead to running their own small snow removal business or transitioning into other seasonal work opportunities.
Craft Seller
Average Salary: $20,000 – $40,000 (varies widely based on sales) per year
Craft Sellers create and sell their handmade products, such as jewelry, clothing, home décor, and art pieces, on platforms like Etsy or at local fairs and markets.
This role is ideal for creative pre-teens who enjoy making things with their hands and have an entrepreneurial spirit.
Job Duties:
- Creating Handmade Products: Design and create unique handmade items to sell to the public.
- Setting Up Online Shops: Use platforms like Etsy to list products, manage inventory, and engage with customers.
- Participating in Local Fairs: Secure booth space and present products at local craft fairs and markets.
- Marketing: Use social media and other marketing strategies to promote products and attract customers.
- Pricing and Sales: Determine pricing that covers costs and allows for profit while managing sales transactions.
- Customer Service: Communicate with customers, process orders, and handle any inquiries or issues that arise.
Requirements:
- Artistic Skills: Ability to create appealing and high-quality handmade products.
- Business Sense: Basic understanding of how to run a small business, including pricing, marketing, and sales.
- Online Savvy: Familiarity with online selling platforms and social media for promoting products.
- Communication Skills: Good communication skills for interacting with customers and making sales.
- Organization: Keeping track of inventory, orders, and customer requests efficiently.
Career Path and Growth:
Starting as a Craft Seller can be the first step into the world of entrepreneurship for a pre-teen.
It offers a platform to explore their creative talents while learning the basics of running a business.
With time and experience, Craft Sellers can expand their product line, build a strong brand, and even transition into owning a physical storefront or becoming a supplier for other retailers.
Success in this field is often driven by creativity, quality, and customer service.
Face Painter at Local Events
Average Salary: $20 – $50 per hour per year
Face Painters at local events bring joy and creativity to children’s parties, festivals, and community gatherings by artistically transforming faces into colorful designs.
This role is ideal for pre-teens who enjoy art and making people smile, offering a fun and rewarding way to earn money while honing their artistic skills.
Job Duties:
- Creating Artistic Designs: Use face paints to create whimsical or themed designs on children’s and adults’ faces, ranging from simple shapes to intricate full-face transformations.
- Setting Up Booths: Prepare and organize the face painting station, ensuring a clean and inviting space for attendees.
- Answering Questions: Interact with children and parents, providing clear information about the face painting process and care instructions.
- Customizing to Client Requests: Tailor face painting designs to match individual preferences or event themes, such as superheroes, animals, or flowers.
- Participating in Events: Engage with local event organizers to offer face painting services at community functions, festivals, and private parties.
- Practicing Hygiene: Follow proper hygiene protocols, including using safe, non-toxic paints and cleaning brushes and equipment between clients.
Requirements:
- Artistic Ability: A knack for drawing and painting, with the creativity to design and execute face painting ideas.
- Interpersonal Skills: Good communication and the ability to interact positively with children and adults.
- Patience: The capability to work carefully and patiently, especially with younger children who may move around during the painting process.
- Customer Service: A friendly and customer-oriented approach, ensuring a pleasant experience for all clients.
- Adaptability: Ability to accommodate various client requests and work in different event settings.
Career Path and Growth:
This role offers pre-teens a chance to explore their artistic talents while gaining experience in customer service and event participation.
With practice and a growing portfolio, young face painters can become sought-after artists for larger events and parties, and possibly expand their services to include body painting or other creative art forms.
Junior Camp Counselor
Average Salary: $15,000 – $25,000 per year
Junior Camp Counselors assist in leading and managing groups of children in summer camps, outdoor activities, and day camp programs.
This role is perfect for pre-teens who enjoy outdoor activities, working with children, and want to develop leadership skills.
Job Duties:
- Assisting with Group Activities: Help plan and conduct games, educational sessions, and outdoor adventures for camp attendees.
- Supervising Campers: Ensure the safety and well-being of children by monitoring their activities and enforcing camp rules.
- Providing Support: Offer guidance and support to campers, helping them with tasks and encouraging participation.
- Prepping Materials: Assist in preparing materials and equipment for activities, crafts, and events at the camp.
- Mentoring: Serve as a role model for younger campers, promoting positive behaviors and a team spirit.
- Continual Learning: Learn from senior counselors and staff to improve your own skills in leadership and child care.
Requirements:
- Age Requirement: Generally, Junior Camp Counselors are younger, often ranging from 11 to 15 years old.
- Responsibility: Demonstrated ability to follow directions and act responsibly, especially when dealing with younger children.
- Enthusiasm for Camp Activities: A strong interest in outdoor activities, sports, crafts, or any other camp-related pastime.
- Communication Skills: Good verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact positively with children and other staff.
- Teamwork: The ability to work well with others and collaborate with a team of counselors and camp leaders.
Career Path and Growth:
Starting as a Junior Camp Counselor can be an excellent introduction to the responsibilities of work life for a pre-teen.
It provides an opportunity to learn valuable skills such as leadership, communication, and organization.
As they grow older and gain more experience, Junior Camp Counselors can transition into senior counselor roles, specialize in activity planning, or even manage their own camps in the future.
Vegetable Stand Attendant
Average Salary: $5,000 – $10,000 (Part-time/Seasonal) per year
Vegetable Stand Attendants manage and operate local vegetable stands, providing fresh produce to the community.
This role is ideal for pre-teens who enjoy outdoor activities and have an interest in gardening, nutrition, or entrepreneurship.
Job Duties:
- Setting Up the Stand: Arrange vegetables attractively and set up signage to draw in customers.
- Customer Interaction: Greet and engage with customers, offering information about the produce, including sourcing and health benefits.
- Handling Transactions: Take payment for purchases, give correct change, and manage any electronic payment systems.
- Maintaining Freshness: Keep produce fresh by following proper storage and presentation techniques.
- Promoting Healthy Eating: Encourage the consumption of fresh vegetables by sharing simple recipes or preparation tips.
- Learning about Produce: Gain knowledge about different types of vegetables, their seasons, and best uses.
Requirements:
- Basic Math Skills: Comfortable handling money and calculating change.
- Customer Service: Friendly demeanor and willingness to help customers with their questions and purchases.
- Interest in Nutrition and Agriculture: An eagerness to learn more about where vegetables come from and their nutritional value.
- Responsibility: Capable of managing the stand reliably and independently, when necessary.
- Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for extended periods and occasionally lift heavy boxes of produce.
Career Path and Growth:
Starting as a Vegetable Stand Attendant can be a great introduction to the basics of business operations, customer service, and the importance of local agriculture.
With experience, pre-teens can learn valuable entrepreneurial skills, potentially leading to opportunities such as managing larger market stalls, starting their own garden to supply produce, or further involvement in the local food industry.
Recreational Sports Referee for Youth Sports
Average Salary: $15,000 – $30,000 per year
Recreational Sports Referees oversee and facilitate youth sports games, such as soccer and baseball, ensuring fair play, safety, and adherence to game rules.
This role is perfect for pre-teens who have a passion for sports and enjoy interacting with younger kids while promoting a positive and fun atmosphere.
Job Duties:
- Officiating Games: Preside over youth sports games, making calls and decisions that uphold the integrity of the sport.
- Explaining Rules: Teach and clarify game rules to young players to help them understand and enjoy the game.
- Ensuring Safety: Monitor activities to ensure that safety protocols are followed, reducing the risk of injury.
- Mentoring Young Athletes: Act as a role model, encouraging sportsmanship and teamwork among the players.
- Conflict Resolution: Address disagreements or disputes during games diplomatically and fairly.
- Continuous Learning: Stay informed about updates in sports rules, refereeing techniques, and best practices for working with children.
Requirements:
- Sports Knowledge: A solid understanding of the sport’s rules and regulations you are refereeing.
- Communication Skills: Good communication abilities to explain rules and decisions effectively to children and sometimes to their parents.
- Leadership: Confidence in maintaining control of the game and ensuring a respectful environment for all participants.
- Physical Fitness: The ability to keep up with the pace of the game, which may require quick movements and standing for extended periods.
- Patience and Positivity: The aptitude for maintaining patience and a positive attitude, especially when working with children who are learning the game.
Career Path and Growth:
Starting as a Recreational Sports Referee can be the first step in a lifelong journey in sports.
With experience, referees can advance to officiating at higher levels of competition, including high school, college, and even professional sports.
It’s also a role that instills leadership and communication skills, which are valuable in many career paths outside of sports.
Conclusion
And that sums it up.
A guide to some of the most suitable jobs for pre-teens.
With such a variety of opportunities out there, there’s a suitable job for every pre-teen willing to take up work.
So, don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in these endeavors while they can also serve as an excellent foundation for your future career plans.
Remember: It’s NEVER too early to start building your professional pathway.
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