The best thing that comes out of summer jobs is often the experience and education they can bring.
For older children, summer is often a prime opportunity to put some extra money in their pocket. Unfortunately, most of the summer job opportunities border on the mundane, low-paying side of the equation. The best thing that comes out of summer jobs is often the experience and education they can bring. Here are a few summer job ideas in which students will learn a lot while still having a reasonable amount of fun.
Start their own business
It’s never been easier to start their own business. Students usually don’t even have to leave the house. If they’re crafty, try having them sell some of their creations on Etsy or a similar site. Do they like working with electronics? Put the word out that they can fix stuff. Have a great app idea? Learn how to code it and then sell it on an app store. Into photography? Have them start taking some pictures that would be suitable for stock photographs and then sell them to one of the big stock photo companies. There is nothing more educational than figuring out if they have what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
Writing and editing
If they do really well in English class, perhaps they can earn some extra money working with words. Through sites like eLance and Craigslist, they can line up some gigs for blog writing or general editing. They might not pay much for new talent, but if they can build a client base they can start making some serious money. There’s also the option of writing their own ebook and selling it online.
TutoringIt’s often said that there is no better way of finding out if you’ve mastered a skill than having to teach someone else. Do they have a hobby, like music or art? Start advertising a tutoring service. With the right credentials and expertise, they can start making some serious money from parents stuck with bored kids at home during the summer.
Performing
Have them try to grow a YouTube channel or a podcast. Into music? There are opportunities for musicians to provide background music during parties and events, as well as choir recitals. There’s always clowning for kids’ birthday parties as well.
Providing learning experiences
Students are often relied on to work at museums, parks, and zoos as tour guides or docents. There is also the traditional job of being a summer camp counselor for younger kids.