How to cope with poverty as a teenager at school

Living in poverty can have various adverse effects on the life of a teen. Issues such as witnessing violence in homes, living in neighborhoods with a high rate of crime, low parental monitoring, and lack of financial stability can significantly contribute to teen problems. Fortunately, there are numerous ways that you can use to cope with poverty as a teen. 

Earning money as a teenager can be challenging. Certain jobs, for example, are not available to teenagers. However, with persistence and some creativity, you can earn cash in various ways. Here are some of the ways a teenager at school can cope with poverty. 

Looking for things you can sell 

One of the best ways to make some cash on the side is to sell some of the things you don’t need anymore. Look around your yard or house for things you own but are willing to part with for money. You will have an easy time earning some additional cash this way, especially if your items are in pretty good condition and are people like them. Get your parents to help you post them on social media platforms particularly in groups where people are selling or looking to buy used stuff. 

Cleaning people’s houses 

Most people are eager for assistance when it comes to keeping their houses clean. Nevertheless, traditional cleaning companies can be incredibly expensive. As a result, some people might consider hiring teenagers who will clean their houses for a pretty reasonable cost. If you love cleaning and are also great at being detailed about it, a home cleaning business may be suitable for you. 

Washing cars 

Many busy people do not have the time to clean their vehicles, but you can make some money doing it for them. You will need equipment like soap, a bucket, rags to clean with as well as towels to dry the cars with. If you are cleaning the interior of the vehicles as well, you will want to get some paper towels and a window cleaner. A portable hand-held vacuum cleaner can be a great accessory too. 

Most customers will allow you to utilize their water and hose to clean the exterior of the vehicle. Some might lend you their vacuum cleaner for cleaning the interior, but ensure to check with the clients before you take the cleaning job. 

Running errands for people 

Most busy families and people would love to pay a teenager who is willing to run their errands for them. They can send you to purchase some groceries for them or to the post office to send a package

They might have you pick up or drop off dry cleaning or to pick up some medications at the drug store. You can choose to work in neighborhoods where popular stores and other destinations are near to a lot of apartments and homes to make some serious money. 

Pet sitting 

The other great job for teenagers involves pet sitting. Some people might need pet care services while they are away at work or if they don’t like leaving their pet alone when they rush out of the house to run some errands. Others might require pet care services while they are on vacation. However, the amount of time it takes you to pet sit usually depends on the kind of pet. 

A dog will need constant care at your own home or the home of the pet owner. Other pets like fish or cats might require that you check on them twice a day. You can decide in advance the types of pets you will sit for and which you will not. Also, set your prices depending on the amount of time you will spend every day caring for a pet. 

Conclusion 

If you are a teen and are looking for ways to cope with poverty by earning some money on the side, you are not alone. Most teenagers are looking for appropriate ways they can make some money to cover all their expenses. There are things to purchase, such as clothes, electronic devices, and entertainment costs as well. Other teenagers also need to save for college costs, cars, and many other big purchases. 

If you are one of the many teenagers who want or needs to earn some money to cover all these costs, the ways discussed above will be of great help. You can select the ones that might work best for you, and begin earning today to realize your dreams.