Online Summer Jobs for Teens

While you probably spent your summers as a teen taking on minimum wage jobs that didn't help much when it came to creating that first professional resume, the Internet has provided vast new options for your child that can place him/her ahead of the game when it comes time to search for that first real job. Today, opportunities are available through the Web that do not necessarily require full time dedication or long term commitments, making them perfect teen summer jobs. Not only that, but your teen will have the chance to learn a great deal about selling, writing copy, marketing, design, and entrepreneurship before he/she ever leaves home for college!

Online teen summer job option #1: Ebay selling. Of course, selling on Ebay is not a new idea. However, your teen can turn his/her hobby into a profitable little side business and make far more than his/her friends are going to make at Burger World this summer with this option. Whether it's surfing gear, baseball cards, coins, jewelry, or clothing, your teen can quickly turn a fun interest into a part time job (or even full time, if he/she prefers). Of course, it does take a bit of know-how to keep from losing money, so have him/her start by selling one item that he/she owns and using the profits to start selling more. Your teen will also need a PayPal account that has a few bucks on it to begin. Keep in mind that you must be at least 18 to use Ebay (largely due to personal information exchanges that must go on) so younger teens will not be able to participate unless it is through your account, and with your close supervision. Close supervision is recommended regardless, but Ebay is known for being a safe and family-friendly selling venue, making it a great option.