How Can I Make Some Money?

I want money to buy a car.”​—Olivier 

I like to shop.”​— Alice 

There are some things that are really nice, and I would love to have them; but my parents can’t afford them.”​—Mike.

YOU may have similar reasons for wanting to get your hands on some money. Or perhaps you need to make money to help support your family. Even if you don’t directly contribute to household expenses, paying for your own clothes or other personal items may relieve your parents of some economic pressure.

In any event, obtaining things for yourself or for your family requires money. Although Jesus promised that God would provide for those ‘seeking first God’s Kingdom,’ a Christian still needs to take the initiative to provide for himself. 

So, how can you make some money? And more important, how can you keep a balanced attitude toward it?

How to Find a Job

If you really need something that costs more than your parents can afford, you may be able to get a job to earn enough money to buy it yourself. Talk to your parents about the idea. They may be impressed by your initiative. Assuming that they agree and that it’s legal for you to work, here are four suggestions that will help you to find employment.

Spread the word. Tell your neighbors, teachers, and relatives that you’re looking for work. If you’re shy about asking them directly, you might simply ask them what work they did when they were your age. The more people who know that you’re looking for work, the more leads and referrals you’ll likely get.

Pursue all leads. Respond to newspaper or Internet want ads and information boards in stores, your school, and other public areas. “That’s how I got my job,” says a youth named Dave. “I looked in the paper, faxed them a resume, and called them up.” If this doesn’t work, perhaps you can convince an employer that he or she needs a service that you can perform.

Write and distribute a resume. On a piece of paper, write down how you can be contacted and list your skills and work experience. You don’t think you have anything to list? Think again. Have you ever taken care of a younger sibling when your parents were away, or have you babysat for others? This shows that you’re responsible. Have you helped your dad fix the car? Perhaps this shows that you have mechanical aptitude. Do you know how to type or use a computer? Or did you get good marks in school for some innovative project? Those are good selling points for prospective employers. Include them on your resume. Give your resume to potential employers, and ask friends and relatives to distribute it to anyone they know who’s looking for workers.

Work for yourself. Think about your neighborhood. Is there a need for goods or services that no one else is providing? For example, suppose you love animals. You could offer to bathe or trim your neighbors’ pets for a fee. Or maybe you play a musical instrument. Could you perhaps teach others to play? Or possibly it’s a matter of doing work that others often don’t want to do, such as washing windows or cleaning. A Christian isn’t embarrassed to work with his hands. Of course, being self-employed requires that you be self-motivated, disciplined, and willing to take the initiative.

A word of caution: Don’t rush into an enterprise before studying all the costs and factors involved.  First, talk it over with your parents. Also talk to others who have performed similar work. Will you be required to pay taxes? Will you need to obtain a license or a permit? Check with local authorities for details.​.