Career Archives - Daniel Wong

12 Best Jobs for Teenagers (With Little to No Experience Required)

Updated on May 19, 2025 By Daniel Wong 3 Comments

Looking for the best jobs for teenagers with no experience required?

You’re not alone—and you have plenty of opportunities!

Plenty of well-paying jobs for teens don’t require a résumé full of experience. These roles don’t just pay. They build confidence, independence, and valuable life skills.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best-paying jobs for teens with no experience.

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1. Dog walker

Dog walking is one of the best jobs for teenagers, and one of the most common. If you enjoy being around dogs and want to stay active, working as a dog walker could be the perfect job choice.

Many dog-walking platforms have a minimum age requirement, which might make it tricky for a teen to sign up.

But don’t worry because there are still alternatives. For instance, you can ask around your neighborhood or check with friends and family to see if they need help walking their dogs.

Why it’s suitable:

Dog walking requires no prior experience, making it an easy role to step into. It’s flexible, generally low-stress, and great for teens who enjoy working with animals and being outdoors.

Plus, it teaches responsibility and time management. After all, you’ll have to learn how to juggle working with multiple clients, schoolwork, and other commitments.

How much it pays:

Dog walkers typically earn between $14 and $20 per hour, depending on the location, experience level, and the number of dogs they walk at one time.

2. Babysitter

Babysitting is one of the most common jobs for teens. It involves looking after children while their parents are out.

The responsibilities can vary depending on the child’s age and needs.

You might be asked to play games, prepare light meals, help with homework, or prepare the kids for bed.

Why it’s suitable

Babysitting is ideal for teens who enjoy being around kids and want a flexible, beginner-friendly role. Plus, no formal experience is needed.

If you’re wondering what jobs you can get as a teenager, this one is right up there.

You can get started by asking family, neighbors, or friends. With repeat clients, it can turn into a steady source of income. This role can also help you build skills related to staying organized, solving problems, and communicating effectively.

How much it pays

On average, babysitters can earn $15 to $22 per hour. The rate depends on your experience, the number of children you look after, and the location.

3. Retail associate

As a retail associate, you’ll assist customers, operate the cash register, restock displays, and keep the store organized. You may also answer questions about the store’s products or policies.

Why it’s suitable

Many retail stores are open to hiring teens, especially for part-time or seasonal positions.

It’s an excellent opportunity to build strong customer service skills. You’ll also improve your communication, teamwork, and confidence. Plus, you can add this role to your résumé to give you a solid foundation for landing future jobs.

How much it pays

A retail associate typically earns around $13 to $18 per hour, depending on the location and employer.

4. Food service worker

Working in the food service industry can be both fast-paced and rewarding. You’ll take orders, serve food, clean tables, or handle the register.

Why it’s suitable

Fast-food restaurants and casual diners frequently hire teens, even if they have no prior work experience. These jobs often offer flexible scheduling, making them perfect for weekend, after-school, or holiday shifts.

The fast-paced nature of the job helps you build communication and multitasking skills. Over time, you’ll become more confident in solving problems and working under pressure. You may also gain valuable behind-the-scenes insights into how a business operates.

How much it pays

The average pay is around $13 to $17 per hour. Depending on where you work, customers may also tip you.

5. Tutor

If you excel in a particular subject, such as math, science, or English, you can help younger students who need extra support.

Tutoring can happen in person or online, and you can work with one student at a time or in small groups. It’s a flexible role that allows you to set your own schedule and focus on subjects you’re confident in.

Why it’s suitable

Tutoring is easy to step into and requires no formal experience or certification.

It offers a stable way to earn money while reinforcing your own knowledge. You’ll also build valuable soft skills like communication, patience, and leadership.

Plus, watching your students progress with your support makes the experience rewarding.

How much it pays

Tutoring can be one of the best-paying jobs for teens. Tutors typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour. This depends on the subject, grade level, number of students you tutor at once, and whether sessions are in-person or online.

6. Lawn care assistant

Working as a lawn care assistant could be a great fit if you enjoy being outside and don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty.

Beginners can start with basic tasks like mowing lawns, trimming hedges, watering plants, and tidying up yards.

Why it’s suitable

You don’t need any experience to become a lawn care assistant—just a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic.

This job is ideal for teens who enjoy working outdoors and want to stay physically active while earning extra income.

How much it pays

This role typically pays between $11 and $24 per hour, depending on your location, the type of tasks you perform, and the size of the job.

7. Lifeguard

Becoming a lifeguard is rewarding if you’re a strong swimmer and enjoy being around water.

Lifeguards ensure the safety of swimmers or beachgoers by monitoring the area and enforcing safety rules. They must also be ready to perform rescues when needed.

Why it’s suitable

While this role doesn’t require prior experience, you must be a proficient swimmer. You’ll also have to undergo lifeguard training and complete CPR and first aid certifications.

It’s a great opportunity for teens who enjoy staying active, working outdoors, and learning life-saving skills.

How much it pays

Lifeguards typically earn between $12 and $22 per hour, depending on location and employer.

8. Movie theater worker

Working at a movie theater can be fast-paced, especially during peak hours.

There’s a range of roles you can take on. These include selling tickets at the box office and serving popcorn and drinks at concessions. You may also be asked to help clean the theaters between shows and guide guests to their seats.

Why it’s suitable

Many movie theaters hire teens, often for evenings, weekends, and holidays, as these are their busiest periods. This role offers opportunities to sharpen your communication and customer service skills.

How much it pays

This job usually pays around $12 to $19 per hour.

9. Car wash attendant

As a car wash attendant, your main tasks involve cleaning the inside and outside of vehicles. You’ll also dry and wax them and answer customers’ questions about available services.

Why it’s suitable

You don’t need experience to get started, but it’s a great opportunity to learn how to work efficiently and responsibly. You’ll also learn valuable skills like time management and communication. In addition, interacting regularly with customers can help build your self-esteem and confidence.

How much it pays

Car wash attendants can usually earn $10 to $18 per hour, often with the potential for extra tips.

10. Grocery store clerk

In this job, you’ll help keep a grocery store running smoothly.

Tasks may include operating cash registers and bagging groceries. You may also stock shelves, clean aisles, organize displays, and help customers find what they need.

Why it’s suitable

Grocery stores typically offer flexible shifts that fit well around school schedules.

You’ll get to polish up your communication, customer service, and organizational skills. It’s also a good introduction to how retail businesses operate.

How much it pays

You can earn around $12 to $15 per hour as a grocery store clerk.

11. Amusement park staff

As an amusement park staff member, your primary role is to help create a fun and safe environment for guests.

You might be responsible for operating rides and answering visitors’ questions. Other duties can include selling tickets or snacks, managing ride queues, and helping to keep the park clean and organized.

The job requires energy, a friendly attitude, and good communication skills. So it’s an excellent fit for teens who enjoy working with people in a lively setting.

Why it’s suitable

These seasonal jobs are perfect for summer or school breaks. They’re ideal for teens who enjoy social and lively environments and want to meet new people.

You’ll also gain experience in customer service, problem-solving, and multitasking.

How much it pays

This role typically pays about $10 to $17 per hour.

12. Delivery personnel (on bicycle or scooter)

If you’re an older teen with access to a bicycle or scooter, working as a delivery person can be a great way to earn money while staying active.

Depending on what’s available in your area, you’ll deliver food, groceries, or small packages.

Some delivery apps allow teens to create a teen account with parental consent. This makes it easier to get started without needing to find clients yourself.

Why it’s suitable

This job requires no previous experience and is a great fit for self-motivated teens who enjoy working independently.

One of the biggest perks is the flexibility. You can set your own hours and easily schedule your work around school or other commitments.

How much it pays

The average amount you can earn as a delivery person is around $15 to $20 per hour, including tips from customers.

Conclusion

You don’t need years of experience to get a meaningful job that helps you earn some extra money.

Some of the best jobs for teenagers just require the willingness to learn. These jobs might not seem that exciting, but they can help you develop in areas like time management, communication, and confidence.

For personalized support to help you stay motivated and grow your skills, I’d love to help through the one-on-one coaching program I offer for teens!

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7 Things Every Teenager Should Do to Prepare for the Future

Updated on May 27, 2025 By Daniel Wong Leave a Comment

Do you ever feel stressed thinking about your future?

Feeling nervous about starting new chapters in your life is natural.

But the fact that you’re thinking ahead is a great start.

You might already have clear goals and ambitions. Or you might still be exploring different interests and pursuits.

Either way, it’s never too early to prepare for the journey ahead.

In this article, I’ll explain 7 things you can do as a teenager to set the stage for a fulfilling future.

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1. Build communication skills

Learning how to communicate helps you convey your thoughts and opinions better. It also allows you to resolve conflicts, give and receive feedback, and persuade others.

The good news is that you don’t have to be an extrovert or social butterfly to be able to communicate well. Research has shown that it’s a skill that anyone can develop.

Here’s how you can work on building your communication skills:

Practice active listening without interrupting or jumping to conclusions
Stay focused on what the person is saying rather than thinking about what you want to say next
Try to face the speaker, maintain good eye contact, and avoid crossing your arms
Practice being brief and concise whenever you speak
Put away distractions, such as your phone, during every conversation

Start by applying one or two of these tips to your daily interactions with others.

2. Set clear, actionable, and process-based goals

Goal-setting is crucial as it has a massive impact on life outcomes.

Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to set effective goals:

Set specific short-term and long-term goals. Shorter-term targets can be achieved within a week, a month, or even a year, while longer-term ones could take several years to complete. You may have big dreams and great ideas. The key to achieving them is knowing how to break these long-term goals into practical and smaller ones.
Create actionable process-based goals. An outcome-based goal would be to “get selected for the basketball team.” Instead of focusing on these types of outcome-based goals, create process-based goals like “practice five specific dribbling drills for half an hour every day” or “run intervals for half an hour every other day.”
Set up repeatable systems and processes. For example, if your goal is to learn a new language, your systems could include how to practice and immerse yourself in the language.
Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable. Researchers have discovered that those who believe they can achieve their goals are more likely to achieve them. Try to have realistic and progressive goals that naturally become harder as you gain more experience and skills.

3. Nurture healthy daily habits

The health-related choices you make now will affect your well-being in the long run.

Good habits take time to build, so it’s never too early to start optimizing these core pillars of health:

Exercise. It’s recommended that teenagers should exercise for at least 60 minutes on most days of the week. Explore different sports and workouts so you can find something you enjoy!
Nutrition. Include more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins in your diet. At the same time, limit your intake of junk food and food with lots of added sugars.
Sleep. Teenagers should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep a day. Having a regular sleep schedule and keeping the bedroom dark, cool, and quiet helps to create a conducive environment for sleep.
Mental health. Some stress-relief methods include breathing or relaxation exercises. You can also build a support system of friends and family you trust.

4. Cultivate an attitude of lifelong learning

Building a growth mindset is the best way to nurture the desire to learn. A person with this mindset believes that skills and positive traits can be learned and developed.

To develop this mindset and grow your love for learning, try implementing the following tips:

Accept your mistakes and view them as opportunities to learn
Embrace challenges and get outside your comfort zone often
Cultivate the curiosity to explore different skills, topics, and hobbies
Make time to delve into various courses and workshops
Be kind to yourself in the way you talk to yourself about your shortcomings
Be open and humble enough to accept criticism and feedback

5. Develop financial literacy

Financial literacy can be divided into several main areas: saving, budgeting, investing, and managing finances.

Some simple ways to get started on improving your financial literacy skills include:

Creating a budget. Many experts recommend the 50/30/20 rule. This rule states that 50% of your allowance or earnings should go to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings (as well as donations).
Starting your own savings account. You can get your parents to go with you to a bank to start your own savings account. This can help you build the habit of saving and teach you to handle your money early on.
Tracking your spending. It’s easy to go overboard when you don’t keep tabs on your expenses. You can use a personal finance app, spreadsheet, or even a physical journal to keep track of what you spend money on each day.

6. Gain work experience

Work experience is invaluable and will help you develop skills like teamwork, communication, and time management.

There are several methods of gaining work experience, including the following:

Doing a part-time job
Doing an internship
Volunteering at a non-profit organization
Offering services like dog sitting or babysitting

If you need help finding job opportunities, you can seek the advice of your school counselor, teachers, or parents.

7. Become a self-starter and build a strong work ethic

Many teenagers are used to depending on threats, consequences, and reminders from their parents or teachers to “force” them to do what they ought to. This mindset can continue into adulthood.

To counter this, you can start building a self-starter mindset and learn to keep yourself motivated and committed.

Think about meaningful activities you can start taking up. Do you want to learn a new language or pick up a new skill like coding or video editing?

Then, find online courses, articles, or resources to help you achieve those goals. Take the initiative to create a schedule and break down your goals into specific tasks or routines.

Along the way, be sure to celebrate your wins and progress. This will boost your confidence in your abilities, making it easier to be a self-starter in all your future undertakings.

Conclusion

It can be difficult and sometimes even scary to think about the future and the various paths you can take.

And while you can’t predict the future, the actions you take now can ensure you’re as adequately prepared for it as possible.

The changes you make now, though small, can add up and enable you to build a bright and promising future.

Of course, you can’t expect success overnight. But your future self will thank you for the steps you’re taking today to invest in your education, health, financial literacy, and more!

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How to Choose the Right Coach for Your Teen

Updated on April 28, 2025 By Daniel Wong Leave a Comment

Every teen needs guidance to navigate the challenges of adolescence.

But as a parent, you’ve probably noticed that your teen frequently rejects your guidance.

The more you tell your teen what choices he or she ought to make, the less likely your teen is to listen.

So what should you do?

Connect your teen with an experienced coach. A skilled coach and mentor can transform unmotivated teens into motivated and responsible young adults.

These positive changes can ease the tension in your relationship with your teen. For many parents, this is the biggest benefit of finding the right coach.

How should you choose the right coach for your teen?

Every teen has unique challenges to overcome and opportunities to make the most of. So it’s important to look for a coach who has the right combination of skills and experience to meet your teen’s needs.

Here’s what to do first…

Identify the goals to be achieved through coaching

When a coach works with teenagers, the focus isn’t usually just on academics. If school performance is a concern you have about your teenager, a holistic approach is most effective.

A coach can work with your teen to develop the intrinsic motivation needed to do well in school. A coach will also help your teenager to develop the mindset and practical skills necessary to thrive.

This process involves many aspects of development for your teen. So it helps to start your search for a coach by listing the main concerns you have about your teenager.

Think about the outcomes you want to achieve through the coaching sessions. Ask yourself questions like:

Why am I looking for a coach for my teen?
What do I want my teen to learn through the coaching sessions?
Which areas does my teen need the most guidance in?

Below are some common areas for improvement that I help my teenage coaching clients to make progress in:

Common area for improvement #1: Motivation

A lack of intrinsic motivation is a common but serious problem that many teenagers struggle with.

A coach can help teens to find the inner drive to learn and improve. As a result, these teenagers will be able to reach their full potential in school and life.

Common area for improvement #2: Responsibility

Do you think your teen sometimes behaves irresponsibly?

If so, you’re not alone.

Teens need to learn to make wise decisions, but the desire to do so has to come from within. A coach can help teens shift towards more responsible and mature behavior.

Common area for improvement #3: Sense of purpose

Many teenagers coast through life without a strong sense of purpose.

A lack of direction can lead to frustration for both teens and their parents. It’s difficult for many teens to understand how to make meaningful choices and lead a meaningful life.

At a time when they’re making important decisions about the future, a sense of purpose can guide your teen in the right direction.

A coach can help your teen to cultivate passion and live a life that’s founded on the right values.

Common area for improvement #4: Attitude and mindset

We all know how important it is to develop mental strength. But many teens lack the fortitude to overcome challenges and setbacks.

Coaching can enable teens to become more process-oriented and resilient. Instead of focusing too much on grades or achievement, they’ll learn to find joy in the process of attaining mastery.

As such, they’ll develop a more positive attitude toward school and other areas of life.

Common area for improvement #5: Respect

Respect for authority figures – especially parents – can be dramatically improved through coaching.

You’re probably already aware that teenagers’ disrespectful behavior can damage relationships and cause frustration for everyone involved.

The right coach can help your teen to understand the importance of respect, such that your teen will change his or her behavior for the better.

Common area for improvement #6: Time management

Coaching will equip your teenager with the skills needed to manage his or her time effectively.

Your teen will learn how to reduce procrastination and overcome distractions. Your teen will also learn how to stay organized and prioritize well.

These time management skills will benefit your teenager both in the short term and the long term!

Common area for improvement #7: Study skills

As a parent, you know it can sometimes be hard to get a teen to study.

Some teens lack the motivation to study, while others need more practical support. Coaching addresses both of these issues.

If your teenager doesn’t know how to study effectively, ensure that the coach you engage is able to teach study skills.

Here’s what to look for in a coach…

The right coach is uniquely qualified to guide teens to become motivated, confident, and responsible. The right coach empowers teens to thrive and to maximize their potential.

So what factors should you consider when looking for a coach for your teen?

1. Experience and background

Look for a coach who specializes in working with teens. Choose a coach who has experience working with teens who face similar problems as your teen.

2. Expertise

Take a look at the articles and books the coach has written, the videos the coach has published, the interviews the coach has done, the talks the coach has given, etc. These should demonstrate the coach’s knowledge and expertise.

3. Professional development

You’re looking to engage someone who will inspire your teen to grow and develop. So the coach you choose should be an example of someone who embraces lifelong learning. Coaches who continually strive to improve themselves are in the best position to mentor your teenager.

4. Proven results

Read the testimonials and success stories of the coach’s previous clients to see if the coach has a proven track record.

Questions to ask a potential coach

If you’ve found a coach for your teen who seems suitable, here are some questions to ask:

Question #1: What coaching methodology do you use?

Find out how the coach plans to guide your teen toward making positive changes.

What approaches or techniques does the coach use? What is his or her coaching philosophy? What makes his or her approach effective?

Question #2: Do you offer a trial session?

A trial session is a great way to see how well your teen and the coach get along. The better the connection, the more likely it is that your teen will benefit from the coaching sessions.

Question #3: What’s your availability like?

Given your teen’s schedule and commitments, does the coach have available slots to work with your teen? Can the coach start the sessions right away, or is there a waiting list?

Question #4: What’s the structure of the coaching sessions?

Here are some related questions:

What’s the recommended frequency of the coaching sessions?
How long is each session?
Will you provide periodic updates to the parents?
Do I pay for the sessions one at a time, or do you offer some kind of package?
What’s your refund policy?

Conclusion

No matter what challenges your teenager is currently facing, I hope you’re now convinced that he or she would benefit from coaching.

And after reading this article, I hope you also know how to choose the right coach for your teenager.

Over the past decade, I’ve spent many thousands of hours coaching teenagers 1-to-1. It brings me incredible joy to see my teenage coaching clients become motivated, confident, resilient, purpose-driven, and responsible!

To find out more about the 1-to-1 coaching program I offer for teenagers, visit this page. Or you can also click the link in the box below…

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1-to-1 Coaching Program for Teens (With Daniel Wong)

You Weren’t Born to Just Get Good Grades, Get a Good Job and Die

Updated on May 7, 2020 By Daniel Wong 10 Comments

As a society, what are our goals and aspirations?

Based on my observations, it’s to get good grades, get a good job, and then die.

That might sound strange or morbid, so allow me to explain.

I work with children and teenagers to help them make the most of their potential. As such, I interact with many parents on a daily basis.

These are some of the most common things I hear from parents:

“I want my child to get good grades so that he can get into a good school.”
“I don’t expect my child to get straight As, but her grades should be good enough.”
“I want my child to do well enough so that he can get a good job in the future.”
“I hope my child will be able to get into a good profession like medicine or law.”

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to get good grades or a good job. (By the way, the title of this article was inspired by a poster I saw that read, “You weren’t born to just pay bills and die.”)

But it seems like in our society, getting good grades and getting a good job aren’t just goals or concerns. They’re obsessions.

They’re what we spend most of our waking hours striving toward tirelessly.

They’re what we seem to think the point of education is – and possibly the point of life, too.

Of course, most of us would declare that we absolutely do not believe that the purpose of life is to get good grades, get a good job, and then die.

But given how much we emphasize to our children the importance of succeeding academically and getting a well-paying job, it would be hard to claim otherwise.

After all, it’s the story that’s been told for generations . . .

Study hard, so that you’ll do well academically.

So that you can get into a good school.

So that you can get a good diploma or degree.

So that you can get a good job.

I question the truth of this story, because we live in an information age where new opportunities abound. So the path to having a rewarding career is no longer that simple or direct – but that’s not the focus of this article.

I want to question the belief underlying the “get good grades and a good job” story, not the accuracy of the story itself.

The fundamental belief is that getting a good job – traditionally defined as a job that’s stable and lucrative – is the key to success and happiness.

What could be more inspiring than the hope of attaining success and happiness, right?

But few people wake up every morning feeling thrilled at the prospect of spending the day in the pursuit of good grades or a good job.

It’s more common for people to ask themselves, “Isn’t there more to life than just trying to get good grades or a good job?”

One reason the “get good grades and a good job” story isn’t inspiring is that it’s all about you.

Why do I say that?

I mean, shouldn’t you be inspired by a story that’s all about yourself? [Read more…]

How To Care Enough To Change The World

Updated on June 3, 2021 By Daniel Wong

A few years ago, I had the privilege of attending a talk by this incredible woman, Marian Wright Edelman.

Children’s rights activist, Marian Wright Edelman

Edelman is the founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund, and she’s been awarded more than 65 (yes, 65!) honorary degrees. She was also the first black woman to be admitted to the Mississippi bar.

To say that she’s an impressive woman is an understatement!

The way that Edelman concluded her speech was exceptionally memorable.

“I cannot preach like Martin Luther King, Jr. or turn a poetic phrase like Maya Angelou…”

She proceeded to list a large number of distinguished people, and the characteristics they possessed that she did not.

What you can achieve when you care enough

Edelman went on to say:

“But I care and am willing to serve and raise my voice with others for children… I care and am willing to serve and sacrifice to build our children a better future.

“I care. I really, really care. You can change the world if you care enough.”

You can change the world if you care enough.

If that statement is true (I like to think that it is), it’s no surprise that a lot of advice you hear from career development gurus revolves around pursuing a line of work you care deeply about.

It’s entirely true that in today’s Information Age, it’s no longer enough just to be compliant, competent or even charismatic. You need to care.

[Read more…]

What Campfire-Building Can Teach Us About Achieving Greatness

Updated on June 2, 2021 By Daniel Wong

You’re pretty ambitious. You have goals and dreams, and you’re hardworking. You want to be successful, and you have the drive to make it happen.

You won’t ever be satisfied with average, or even good. You want to be great.

But as you pursue greatness—whether it’s in your academics, your career, your business, your relationships or your life—you sometimes wonder if it’s worth it.

The sacrifices, the disappointments, the frustrations… what’s it all for?

In an attempt to do more and be more, maybe you feel like you’ve lost sight of what’s truly valuable.

I’ve by no means achieved greatness—far, far, far from it. But in thinking about what it means to live a great life, I’ve realized that it’s a lot like building a campfire on a cold night.

[Read more…]