HOW TO EARN MONEY

Dear Jellybean,

How can I raise money to go to camp next summer, Jellybean? I need $2250 and plan on corn detassling this summer for $600. Where else can I make money as a 15-year-old who has been rejected from enough resteraunts to stage a protest? Thanks for any advice!

Dear Writer,

Your question, about how to earn money as a young teenager with something big to save for, is a very good one - and something that I get asked quite often. Here's my advice:

Create a resume. On it, put your name and telephone number, your education (what grade you are in and the name of your school), your skills (including anything you can do, from typing and creative writing to speaking Spanish and being good at organizing things), and any previous job experience you have had (include the name of your former employer and a phone number where they can be contacted). Also include at least two references - names and phone numbers of adults who will speak highly of you. These might be a teacher, a coach, a family friend of your parents, etc. Type your resume neatly and print it on white paper - it shouldn't be more than one page long - and have someone read it to check for spelling mistakes. Don't exaggerate on a resume - people check facts! Just tell the truth and present yourself in your best, most professional light.

Hit the nearest mall or street full of stores and one by one, give out your resume. At each shop, ask to speak to the manager. When you have his/her attention, present the manager with your resume and explain that you are a responsible, enthusiastic young person who is looking for a part-time job for the school year. Be sure to smile, be polite and speak intelligently - you have to make a great impression. That's why you should wear a nice and neat outfit when you go door to door - forget the low riding jeans and tank tops. Wear a neat button down shirt or ironed white T shirt and a not-too-short skirt or pressed pair of khakis. The point is to look like someone who would be mature enough to do a great job at any store.

If you have a dream of working at a certain kind of store, go there first. Your passion for the business will show through and maybe help you land a position. The other trick to this is, be persistent - don't give up just because someone is nervous about your age! When I was fifteen, I was a movie fanatic. I presented myself at the local video store, complete with resume and wearing a nice outfit. I spoke to the manager and he seemed nice, but skeptical that such a young kid would do a good job at his store. I got him talking about movies, and by discussing my love of films with him - and showing my knowledge of a lot of different movies - I impressed him enough to get a trial job. That later turned into a permanent position.

If someone says they're not hiring, thank them for their time and ask if you can leave your resume. That way, if one of their people quits or they need extra staff when they get busy, your name and phone number is handy for them to call.

Never act angry when someone rejects you. It's not personal - these people are running businesses. They will only hire someone who seems grown-up and responsible. If you get emotional, they'll just think you couldn't handle the stresses of a job. Being cool and collected, even when someone rejects you, is a smart thing to do. And leave that resume with them! If you make a good impression, even when they say no, they might call and say yes later.

If you try your hardest and still can't get a job at a store, consider a traditional teen job like babysitting. My girlfriend Mary made enough money babysitting in grade twelve, to pay for a one-month trip to Europe! Ask your parents if they know anyone with young kids, put up flyers in your neighborhood or apartment building, visit community centres and ask if you can post your name for babysitting on their bulletin board. Babysitting is an excellent job that pays quite well, so it's worth the effort it can take to get your first few jobs. If you're good and the parents like you, they'll keep asking you back.

Another traditional teenage job you can do is yard work. Many adults perform their yard work themselves, but some older people cannot because of physical difficulties, or because their schedules don't allow them the time. Pulling weeds or mowing grass is not only a good way to earn some extra cash, it's great exercise too! And every bit of money earned adds up.

Have you ever considered dog walking? There are usually many dogs in any given neighborhood. Often times, their owners aren’t able to take them for a walk every day. This is an excellent opportunity for a teenager to earn some extra spending money. By offering to walk a neighbor’s dog, you can get exercise youself and earn some money at the same time. You could even team up with a friend to start a dog walking business and walk several dogs at once, for even more money-earning potential.

Hopefully you will be able to find a job that lets you save enough for camp next year. Even if you get a part-time job, consider how else you can make extra cash - by doing chores around the house, by helping out a neighbour with household chores, etc. Every little bit helps, and every dollar you earn will get you one step closer to camp. Good luck!