You can usually get entry-level , flexible jobs at 14, but what’s allowed depends a lot on your country, state, and local labor laws. In many places you’re limited in hours and can’t do dangerous work, but there are still plenty of good first-job options.

Key thing first: check the rules

Before picking anything, you (and a parent/guardian) should:

  • Look up your local teen labor laws (age limits, max hours on school days, night work rules).
  • Check if you need:
    • A work permit from school or your local government.
    • A parent/guardian signature.
  • Expect limits like:
    • Only working outside school hours.
    • Fewer hours during term time, more in holidays.

In some places (like parts of the US and UK), 14 is the earliest age where limited “formal” work is allowed, but informal gigs (helping neighbors, family businesses) are more flexible.

Classic jobs you can often do at 14

These are the “starter” jobs lots of young teens do as their first way to earn money.

  • Babysitting for neighbors or family friends (especially evenings and weekends).
  • Pet sitting and dog walking, including feeding, walking, and checking on pets when owners are away.
  • Yard work and outdoor chores: mowing lawns, raking leaves, shoveling snow, watering plants, basic gardening.
  • Car washing in your neighborhood (driveways, small local parking lots, friends and family).
  • Newspaper or flyer delivery on a bike or on foot, usually early mornings or after school.
  • Helping at a local small business (stocking, sweeping, simple tasks) if your area allows 14-year-olds for light work.
  • Helping on a family farm or local farm with light tasks if allowed (feeding animals, picking produce, cleaning).

These jobs build basic skills like time management , reliability, and talking to adults, which really help later when you apply for more formal jobs.

“Real workplace” jobs some 14‑year‑olds can get

In some regions, certain employers hire at 14 for very limited, supervised roles. What’s possible will depend on where you live, but common examples include:

  • Golf caddy at a local golf course (carrying clubs, helping golfers, walking the course).
  • Fast food or casual restaurant helper for simple tasks (cleaning tables, stocking, sometimes kitchen prep) where it is legal.
  • Small retail shop helper (unpacking boxes, basic organizing, tidying shelves) in independent stores that accept younger teens.
  • Cart pusher or lot attendant at certain supermarkets, if local rules allow 14‑year‑olds for that work.
  • Seasonal worker at fairs, ice cream stands, or refreshment stalls in the summer (taking simple orders, cleaning, basic service).

These roles are often limited to a small number of hours per week and lighter duties to stay within safety and labor rules.

Online & creative jobs you can start with parent help

A lot of 14‑year‑olds are turning their hobbies and online skills into small side income. You usually need a parent/guardian to help with accounts, payments, and safety.

  • Tutoring younger kids in subjects you’re good at (math, reading, languages, instruments), either in person or online.
  • Selling handmade crafts, art, jewelry, or digital designs online with an adult managing the account.
  • Simple website setup/design for family friends or small local businesses if you enjoy tech and design.
  • Beginner sports coaching/assistant coach for younger kids if you’re strong at a particular sport and the club allows it.
  • Content creation (videos, art, game clips, tips) on platforms that allow teens, with an adult supervising money/brand stuff.

Even if these don’t pay much at first, they’re good for building a portfolio of things you’ve made and done.

Mini how‑to: getting your first job at 14

Think of it as a mini project: you’re learning how work works.

  1. Pick 2–3 job types you’d actually enjoy.
    Babysitting? Animals? Being outdoors? Tech/creative? Start from what you’re already good at or interested in.
  1. Talk to a parent/guardian.
    • Ask what hours they’re comfortable with.
    • Make sure they’re okay with you working for specific people or places.
    • Have them help check local rules and, if needed, work permits.
  1. Start with your existing network.
    • Neighbors, family friends, teammates’ parents, people at your place of worship or clubs.
    • Tell them clearly what you offer (e.g., “Dog walking after school, 4–6 pm, three days a week”).
  1. Make a simple “pitch.”
    • A short intro: who you are, what you can do, when you’re free.
    • Mention any experience: helping siblings, school responsibilities, volunteering, etc.
  1. Prove you’re reliable.
    • Show up on time.
    • Communicate if you’re sick or running late.
    • Do the job fully, not halfway.
      These habits lead to repeat work and recommendations.
  1. Stay safe.
    • Don’t go into unknown homes or meet strangers alone without an adult knowing exactly where you are.
    • For online work, use parent-controlled emails/accounts and keep personal information private.

Tiny example “job path” at 14

Here’s a realistic path someone your age might follow:

Start by walking two neighbors’ dogs three days a week, then add babysitting for a family friend once a month. After a few months, use that experience to apply for a weekend helper role at a small local shop once you meet all legal requirements in your area.

That way, by the time you’re 15–16, you already have real references and skills to put on a CV or application.

Quick TL;DR

  • Yes, you can usually get jobs at 14, but they must follow local teen labor laws and safety rules.
  • Common options: babysitting, pet sitting, dog walking, yard work, car washing, newspaper delivery, and helping at local small businesses or farms.
  • In some areas, you can also work as a golf caddy, in small shops, fast food, or seasonal stands, under strict hour and duty limits.
  • With parent help, you can try tutoring, basic web design, selling crafts, or creating content online.

If you tell me what country or state you’re in, I can narrow this down to the most realistic jobs you can get at 14 where you live.