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Original poster

Job for 11 yr old? Help

106 replies

JobsForKid · 26/07/2023 18:20

Posting for traffic :)

My 11 year old has wanted a proper job since he was 8 or 9 and this is getting intolerable now. He gets pocket money from me for odd jobs, but he wants "consistent work" apparantly! And wants a "proper job".

I tried registering myself for a paper round/delivering leaflets (he's too young, but I thought he could come with me and I'd give him the pay), but was told I was too qualified and they give this work to either unemployed or teens not someone who already has a full time professional job (fair enough)

I've suggested selling his old stuff at a car boot etc.. which he is going to do, but apparantly that's not 'consistent work' or a "proper job" and he wants something more long term.

He's becoming intolerable and talks about it every day. He now wants to do paid surveys online, but I've said no as I don't think this sounds like a good idea and is not safe (plus there is the small matter that you have to be 13).

Any ideas??? What can he do? (We don't know anyone he could dog sit or babysit for and I wouldn't allow him to do this for a stranger. Also don't think he's old enough to babysit. He wants to do something like deliver papers, stuff envelopes, or something manual and for an employer not friends I can muster up to humour him)??

Could he start his own business? Doing what???

OP posts:
Needmorelego · 26/07/2023 18:24

The only legal job he can do is Modelling or Acting (which has a bucket load of rules and regulations).
Good for him for being keen but tell him that he is to young.
He could offer to mow lawns/clean cars of the neighbours I suppose.

Original poster
JobsForKid · 26/07/2023 18:27

Thanks! I have tried the 'your too young' but he disagrees :) I've tried explaining the law - but he wants to get out and earn!! mowing lawns and cleaning cars is apparently not "consistent work" though to be fair, he might just have to stick with that til he's older and I might have another 2 years of pestering ahead unless he can come up.with something!!

OP posts:
Anothernamethesamegame · 26/07/2023 18:27

surely there isn’t really going to be a “proper” job he can do, as in an employee role….because he’s a child.

Can you encourage him to look at what jobs he’s interested in for when he is older and then do some work to develop the skills he will need? Or is he focused on the pay?

Needmorelego · 26/07/2023 18:29

He could maybe do a regular volunteer job. For example every saturday morning go clean the cages at a local animal rescue.
Or is he just about ££££?

Sprig1 · 26/07/2023 18:29

Do you have space for chickens? My son sells duck eggs from our gate.

Original poster
JobsForKid · 26/07/2023 18:30

Anothernamethesamegame · 26/07/2023 18:27

surely there isn’t really going to be a “proper” job he can do, as in an employee role….because he’s a child.

Can you encourage him to look at what jobs he’s interested in for when he is older and then do some work to develop the skills he will need? Or is he focused on the pay?

Yes, I have tried explaining to him he's a child!! Though in his opinion he is perfectly capable of working a few hours on a Saturday, and to be honest I don't disagree!!

He wants to join the RAF when he's older (hope that's not outing) and that's encouraged him to stay sporty and focus on maths!! But he's not allowed to join the cadets til 13 (another frustration if his!!)

Yes, currently it's about earning money and having a "consistent wage" (don't know where he's getting the language from..)

OP posts:
dinmin · 26/07/2023 18:31

sign him up for market research focus group / interview type things. Great money and tight safeguarding restrictions and regulated by the MRS etc

Original poster
JobsForKid · 26/07/2023 18:31

Sprig1 · 26/07/2023 18:29

Do you have space for chickens? My son sells duck eggs from our gate.

That's a good idea actually!! (Not sure the DH will be too keen but we could discuss it!!) or it's getting me thinking along those lines anyway :) thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
JobsForKid · 26/07/2023 18:33

dinmin · 26/07/2023 18:31

sign him up for market research focus group / interview type things. Great money and tight safeguarding restrictions and regulated by the MRS etc

Thanks! He wants to do this but I wasn't sure if it was safe??? Do you think it's safe and they won't use the information about us in any dodgy ways?? Can you recommend any sites?

OP posts:
Terloz · 26/07/2023 18:34

What @dinmin said. You don’t need to be 13 to do market research. My 8 year was paid £150 for a 15 min chat. you will need to be there too. He’s not got that much since but has had regular £5 for surveys and £10 for 20 min chats. Just search Facebook and the algorithm will direct ads to you.

somewhereovertherain · 26/07/2023 18:35

Ours worked in a local cafe from 13. But below that it’s hard.

Terloz · 26/07/2023 18:35

Safety wise, check for MRS or ESOMAR registration. As I said, you will be asked to be there too for face to face.

LostAtTheCrossRoad · 26/07/2023 18:35

I'd be prepared to have a stand up row about it. Tell him firmly, he needs to do going on about it, there is no legal job he can do. End. Of. Story. If he mentions it again there will be serious consequences (you can spend time later working out what they will be). I can't abide nagging from children!

Original poster
JobsForKid · 26/07/2023 18:35

Terloz · 26/07/2023 18:34

What @dinmin said. You don’t need to be 13 to do market research. My 8 year was paid £150 for a 15 min chat. you will need to be there too. He’s not got that much since but has had regular £5 for surveys and £10 for 20 min chats. Just search Facebook and the algorithm will direct ads to you.

Thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
JobsForKid · 26/07/2023 18:38

LostAtTheCrossRoad · 26/07/2023 18:35

I'd be prepared to have a stand up row about it. Tell him firmly, he needs to do going on about it, there is no legal job he can do. End. Of. Story. If he mentions it again there will be serious consequences (you can spend time later working out what they will be). I can't abide nagging from children!

I know, but feels counter intuitive to be angry with him for wanting a job and earning money :) if I could find him something, I would! I worked from age 12 and loved it. I kind of like his initiative, I'm just at a loss to help him.... I'd rather he stopped nagging because he'd found something, rather than I just tell him to put up and keep quiet...

OP posts:
Original poster
JobsForKid · 26/07/2023 18:40

Terloz · 26/07/2023 18:35

Safety wise, check for MRS or ESOMAR registration. As I said, you will be asked to be there too for face to face.

Thanks

OP posts:
cocksstrideintheevening · 26/07/2023 18:40

Can he sell some stuff on Vinted. My 11yo Dts do do and love it. Have also started selling bracelets on there. I mean they're not selling anything but seems to make them happy.

Original poster
JobsForKid · 26/07/2023 18:42

cocksstrideintheevening · 26/07/2023 18:40

Can he sell some stuff on Vinted. My 11yo Dts do do and love it. Have also started selling bracelets on there. I mean they're not selling anything but seems to make them happy.

We will have a look! He's sold a few things on eBay but not much (he over prices and thinks he can make loads of money for an old teddy for example!! But he has sold a few things that he's priced more carefully!!)

OP posts:
Hoppinggreen · 26/07/2023 18:43

Needmorelego · 26/07/2023 18:29

He could maybe do a regular volunteer job. For example every saturday morning go clean the cages at a local animal rescue.
Or is he just about ££££?

At our local Rescue it’s 14 for this

Original poster
JobsForKid · 26/07/2023 18:44

Thanks for the ideas by the way, it's helping me think...

OP posts:
Clarinet1 · 26/07/2023 18:45

I’m impressed by his drive and it should be encouraged but perhaps one of the first things he should learn about the world of work (especially if he wants to join the forces) is that rules are there for a reason and he needs to keep to them!
As a side issue, if he’s too young for cadets, what about Scouts for a bit? Similar ethos and he’s old enough and he could always swap to cadets once he’s old enough.

maddening · 26/07/2023 18:45

He could become self employed ? Like a writer or artist? Set himself tasks to do?

Original poster
JobsForKid · 26/07/2023 18:46

maddening · 26/07/2023 18:45

He could become self employed ? Like a writer or artist? Set himself tasks to do?

Great idea (talent could be an issue 😉)

OP posts:
Patchworksack · 26/07/2023 18:47

Could he start a small business? My daughter who is 9 makes and sells resin keyrings at school fairs etc (with adult help) and is intending to set up an Etsy shop. She’s doing the iDEA bronze award and learning lots about being an entrepreneur - this would also keep him quiet for a while 😆
How about the ‘bob a job’ type services for friends and neighbours? Washing cars, helping with gardening etc.
Sympathy on waiting for cadets - my older one (now nearly 17) was wishing his life away until Y8 and has had an amazing time - just spent a week at RIAT and applying for QAIC, and also has a ‘proper job’ as a part time lifeguard and earning decent money.
A good work ethic should be encouraged!

Galadali · 26/07/2023 18:47

Is he creative? Can he make stuff to sell? My eldest started off selling cartoons when he was about 8, and I've heard of lots of kids with Etsy shops.