Even if you have not come out yet, making money now can help your gender transition later. Money equals options. Start working as much as you can and save money.
Even making just $8 an hour in cash working 20 hours a week will earn you about $8,000 in just one year.
Odd jobs and self-employment
There are lots of things you can do. Ask your family or neighbors if you can:
- babysit
- walk dogs
- do yard work
- clean houses
- rake leaves
- shovel snow
- feed pets
- wash cars
- make food you can sell
- sell unwanted things at a yard sale or online
- get allowance for chores
- help at family business
- set up online revenue options
- paid subscription (usually ongoing)
- fundraiser (usually one-time)
- wishlist
- set up an online business
- selling art or crafts
- selling lessons or tutorials
- selling performances and shout-outs
- selling retail items at markup
- selling merch
- drop shipping
- set up an online presence
- video channel or account
- gaming channel or server
- meme channel or account
- lifestyle channel or account
- commentary channel or account
Part-time jobs
If you’re old enough, some companies hire teenagers. Most of them have a minimum age of 16, but a few hire workers as young as 14, including some locations of large chains like McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A.
Getting a bank account
A lot of young people get paid in cash. That’s great, but it’s a good idea not to keep a lot of cash, because it could be lost or stolen. It’s often safer to put it in a bank account in your name.
Youth savings account
- Most banks offer this for youth ages 6 and up.
- Your parent or guardian will need to be there to set it up.
- Some may let you deposit money without an adult.
Student checking account
- Most banks allow checking accounts for youth ages 13 and up.
- Your parent or guardian will need to be there to set it up.
- Your parent or guardian will be able to see what you do with your money.
- These usually give you the option for a debit card.
Cash, but no bank account
Sometimes, young people prefer not to get a bank account because they do not want adults to know about or have access to money they have earned. If you have to keep your earnings as cash, don’t hide cash in these places:
- At school, work, or other public place
- Outside
- In something you carry around like a backpack
- In easy to find places
- Your piggy bank
- your dresser drawer
- your jewelry box
- a clothes pocket
- a sock
- books or magazines
- under your mattress
You can hide cash in an envelope taped under or behind something that won’t get moved:
- a piece of furniture
- a framed picture
- a large appliance
Resources
Hire Teen (hireteen.com)
- Find out how to get a job as a teenager.