What Are Some Jobs in Utah That Will Hire 12-Year-Olds?

In Utah, there are specific laws regarding the employment of minors, especially those as young as 12 years old. While job opportunities may be limited, here are some tasks and businesses that may be within reach:

Babysitting

Many families in Utah look for responsible young individuals to babysit their children. Babysitting is a great way to earn money and gain valuable experience. Parents are often willing to hire an honest, young babysitter to help with their kids when they're working or running errands.

Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you love animals, offering pet sitting or dog walking services in your neighborhood can be a wonderful opportunity. Whether it's walking a neighbor's dog or looking after their pets while they're away, this can be a regular source of income. You can also consider creating a pet-sitting app or website to connect with potential clients.

Lawn Care and Yard Work

Mowing lawns, raking leaves, or helping with gardening tasks for neighbors can provide excellent opportunities. This not only helps you earn money but also build a positive reputation in your community. As you become more skilled, you can offer more extensive services such as mulching, planting, and landscape design.

Household Chores

Some families may hire young people to help with cleaning, organizing, and other household tasks. This is a great way to earn income and learn important life skills. You can offer your services to your neighbors, family friends, or even post online to find more clients.

Tutoring

If you excel in a particular subject, offering tutoring services to younger students can be a rewarding way to earn money. You can start by helping friends or siblings with their homework and then expand your network through word of mouth and online platforms.

Selling Crafts or Baked Goods

If you're crafty or enjoy baking, consider selling your creations at local markets or to neighbors. This can be a fun and profitable venture, especially if you specialize in unique or handmade items. You can also consider creating an online Etsy store or social media page to reach a broader audience.

Volunteer Work

While not paid, volunteer work can provide valuable experience and skills that may help in future job searches. You can look for local volunteer opportunities or even start your own, such as organizing community events, helping at animal shelters, or tutoring younger kids.

Decoding Youth Success in School Businesses

When I was a school principal in Lindon, I saw many students who had successful side businesses, often running them under the radar. These enterprises not only provided them with income but also instilled important work habits and entrepreneurial skills.

Opportunities for Success

From connecting deals in real estate to shipping and selling rabbits, the potential for teen entrepreneurs is vast. Here are some examples:

Real Estate Connect: I knew a kid who found people looking to sell their homes and connected them to real estate brokers, earning significant finder's fees in the process. Rabbits: Another student raised hairless rabbits, catering to a niche market for people with allergies. The venture required minimal adult involvement beyond signing documents. Shipping Store: A 17-year-old operated a shipping store around the corner from my office, running it until he graduated high school. Online Recycling: Using eBay for e-cycling, especially selling old office phone systems from PBX to VOIP transitions, was a lucrative side business for both me and my students. Wedding Invitations: Paying for college by being a middle-man for wedding invitation companies was a straightforward and lucrative venture. Overnight Babysitting: Marketing yourself as an "overnight babysitter" for people going out of town can provide significant income, with clients potentially paying upwards of $60-90 per night.

Key Steps to Success

To harness these opportunities successfully, follow these key steps:

Training Your Eye: Observe and identify business opportunities. Leverage Knowledge: Once you spot an opportunity, choose one and commit to it. Take Action: Don't wait; start taking steps towards your goals immediately.

Remember, the idea is not everything. The success of your venture is more dependent on execution, persistence, and passion. Many teenagers already have the ideas needed to generate income, but they lack the execution and persistence to make it a reality.

Remember, while these opportunities are exciting, it's always important to check with local regulations to ensure that any job complies with labor laws and obtain parental permission.