There are many ways teenagers can make money in this ever changing world, and one of these ways is to run their own business. Teenage entrepreneurs have many opportunities in this day and age. They are full of fresh ideas and enthusiasm, along with being tech-savvy. This is a growing trend.
Teenagers are passionate about specific projects and ideas. This helps them find their business model. When young adults realize they have the potential to make great things or provide a wonderful service, it boosts their confidence. High school students do not have the financial burden of adults, so it is easier to take a risk. Adolescents earn valuable skills for the future while working on something they absolutely love.
“I started my small business of digital planners because I was already making the designs for myself. I figured I might as well do what I love and maybe make some money off it,” shared Kaylynn Fish, a senior at Carolina Forest and owner of Easy Peasy Planners.
Many teenagers cannot commit to a traditional job due to time conflicts and do not want traditional jobs. Teens are now selling handmade goods on Etsy, creating apps., or providing a service such as lawn care or piano lessons. According to CNBC, 60% of teens want to launch their own business instead of working a regular job. This way young adults have flexibility in their work schedule and have more time for school or a social life. Often, there is an abundance of support from friends, family and the community for teenage entrepreneurs. This helps the business bloom.
Senior Taylor Kelley is the founder of TK Daisy Designs, a graphic design business.
Kelley added, “ Owning a business is something I was inspired to do after seeing my parents start their own businesses as well as simply being able to help people out with a talent I knew I already had. ”
Running a business at a young age has its advantages on college applications. It helps the teenager stand out from the crowd at the admissions office. Colleges want to see teens execute ideas and run with these ideas for a period of time. They need to be different, forcing them to be innovative and diversified in new ways. It shows they can adapt with the changing world around them.
During Covid-19, many adolescents spent hours at home without any social interaction, so they watched social media influencers. This paired with teenagers seeing their parents and society needing to work remotely from home created the change in the way teenagers saw people making money. Watching this helped to spark the ideas of financial freedom, flexibility and the ability to be innovative.
Teenagers know if they put in the work, it will pay off well. Young people are always looking to see how they can change the world, create a difference, or make something easier. Running their own business can do just that. It is certain that teens today think differently about future employment, and many have decided they want to work for themselves and not for someone else.
