May 2010: Cool Jobs for Kids
In today’s challenging economic times, it can be hard for experienced adults to find a job, let alone a kid just breaking into business. But no matter how tough things get, there are always opportunities–if you keep your eyes open.
Biz Kid of the Month: YOU
The best way to get a cool job is to make your own. Opportunity is all around you. You can do typical kid things such as babysitting, dog walking, and washing cars. You can also look beyond the ordinary. On Biz Kid$, we’ve profiled kids who…

  • Started a successful line of hair care products based on an old family recipe
  • Opened a music studio, candy shop, or a shave-ice shack
  • Started a blog giving financial advice to young people and turned it into a career
  • Managed garage sales for a share of the profits
  • Developed a chemistry-themed board game
  • Designed and constructed couture handbags
If they did it, you can, too! So go for it!
(Want to see video of cool Biz Kid$ from the show? Visit our Web site!)
Choose Your Job Adventure
There are really only two kinds of jobs. There are positions that companies need filled–that’s being an employee. And there are jobs you make up yourself by selling products or services on your own–that’s being an entrepreneur. With a regular job, you get a regular paycheck–and it’s the company’s way or the highway. With your own business, you have more freedom, but you are responsible for figuring out how to make a profit. A lot of kids we interview on the show are entrepreneurs because the fact is, a lot of the standard jobs that are available to kids—fast food, mowing lawns–are not super exciting. However…
Look to the Future
A job that seems dullsville today might lead to bigger and better things. Practically everyone starts at the bottom and works their way up. The key is to learn all you can and always look for the next rung of the ladder. At least for a short time, even the most mind-numbing job can help you:
  • Learn new skills
  • Build your resume
  • Figure out what you want to do—and what you DON’T want to do.
It can also help you build connections—which takes us to our next point…
It’s Who You Know
A huge number of jobs are never even publicly listed–they’re filled by someone known to the hiring manager. Personal connections are your number one ticket to job success. Tell everyone you know that you’re looking for a job—you’ll be surprised at the results. That’s even more true for entrepreneurs, whose first and best customers are usually their friends and relations. Get to know everyone and always put your best foot forward—you never know who’s going to shove some cool opportunity your way.
17 Years Old? No Power-Driven Hoisting Apparatus Jobs For You!
You probably already know this, but labor (work) laws are different for kids and adults. That’s pretty much a good thing–child labor laws are there to protect you and make sure you have time to focus on your education. But it pays to know what the federal and state laws are that apply to you–so you don’t violate them yourself, and so you can know if someone is trying to take advantage of you. Here are some great summaries of hours and jobs that people of various ages are allowed to work. You should also check out your state laws.
Posted in Biz Kid$ News