Why this list is useful
If you’re 14, keen to earn some money, and wondering where to apply, this list gives you 10 realistic places to look. Each one includes what you’d do, why it fits your age, and how to go about it. Think of it like job-hunting for beginners—with you as the star.
1. Local newsagent or newspaper-delivery business
What you’d do: Deliver newspapers, leaflets, maybe stack papers or help a small shop in the early morning.
Why it works at 14: It’s light work, around your area, and can fit around school hours. UK law allows 14-year-olds to do part-time “light work”. (childlawadvice.org.uk)
How to start: Visit your local shop, ask if they have a paper-round or delivery route. Mention you’re flexible early morning/weekend and live locally—sounds reliable.
2. Family-run café or shop
What you’d do: Help clean tables, stack shelves, serve drinks (non-alcoholic), tidy up.
Why it works at 14: Smaller, local businesses are more flexible than big chains. Plus you’ll gain customer service experience.
How to start: Ask in your neighbourhood: “Hi, I’m 14 and would like some weekend work helping in your café—do you need someone?” Dress neatly, smile, show you’re responsible.
3. Pet care business or dog-walking service
What you’d do: Walk dogs, feed pets, check on animals for neighbours or small business.
Why it works at 14: It’s fun, flexible, and you don’t need heavy skills. Often private local gigs.
How to start: Create a simple flyer: “14-year-old local pet walker – reliable, trustworthy.” Leave it at vet clinics, pet shops or lots of neighbourhood homes.
4. After-school tutoring or homework help
What you’d do: Help younger children with reading, maths, or just homework club style.
Why it works at 14: If you are good at a subject, you can help younger kids. It’s light work and situated at times you’re free.
How to start: Ask a family friend if their younger sibling needs help. Or print a poster at your school or community board. Mention you’re friendly, good at X subject.
5. Garden or yard-work business
What you’d do: Mowing lawns, weeding, watering plants, tidying outdoor spaces.
Why it works at 14: Outdoor, physical but not heavy industrial. Lots of homeowners need help.
How to start: Visit neighbours or knock doors politely: “Hi, I’m 14 and can help you mow your lawn/weekend yard-work.” Offer a trial job at a good rate.
6. Local library, community centre or youth club
What you’d do: Assist with setting up activities, arts & crafts, simple chores, helping younger kids.
Why it works at 14: They often need help for weekends or after-school times and are used to younger workers.
How to start: Walk into your local library or youth centre, ask to speak with the manager: “Do you have any weekend assistant roles for young people aged 14?”
7. Seasonal work at local events or fairs
What you’d do: Help at a fun-fair stall, ice cream stand, event set-up (light tasks), maybe leaflet distribution.
Why it works at 14: These jobs often pop up at weekends or during holidays and are flexible.
How to start: Keep an eye on community event boards, local Facebook groups, ask event organisers. Offer your help for next summer or holiday period.
8. Independent shop on the high street
What you’d do: Helping with tidying displays, restocking, bagging, assisting customers (with supervision).
Why it works at 14: Smaller shops can be more willing to hire part-time teens, especially Saturday or holiday shifts.
How to start: Visit shops on your high street, ask for a manager, hand in a short “I’m 14, available weekends” note. Show you live locally.
9. Leaflet-distribution business
What you’d do: Deliver flyers to houses, hand out leaflets at events, posted door-to-door (with permission).
Why it works at 14: Very flexible, you set hours around school, easy entry, and no heavy qualifications needed.
How to start: Call local flyer-distribution companies or small businesses advertising “leaflet drop”. Offer your weekend morning time.
10. Online or home-based gig (with parent/guardian support)
What you’d do: Sell handmade goods, offer simple digital help (social media for small business), start a YouTube/TikTok channel (if you’re comfortable).
Why it works at 14: You can build something at your own pace; great for creative kids.
How to start: Ask your parent/guardian to set up a simple online shop, or approach a small business: “I’m 14 and good with Instagram—can I help you with your posts once a week?”
Important Legal Bits (so you don’t accidentally break the rules)
- You must be 14 or older to do part-time work (in most UK local areas). (GOV.UK)
- You can’t work during school hours. (StudentJob UK)
- Working hours limits: For 14-year-olds, there are restrictions like maximum hours in term time and holidays.
- The work must be “light work” (not dangerous or affecting your education). (childlawadvice.org.uk)
Final Massage
Starting work at 14 is more than just earning—it’s about learning, growing, and showing you’re reliable and ready for bigger things. Whether it’s mowing lawns, tutoring younger kids, delivering flyers, or helping out at your local café, pick something you’d enjoy and that fits around school.
Be creative, be polite, and ask around. Your first job might just be the start of something great!
FAQs
Q1: Can I work at a big brand store at 14?
A: It’s very unlikely. Big retail chains often have minimum age 16 or older. At 14 you’ll have much better luck with smaller local businesses that are more flexible.
Q2: How many hours can I work at 14?
A: During school term you’ll be limited (for example: no working during school hours, and certain max hours per day/week) and during holidays you can usually do a bit more—but always check your local council’s rules. (StudentJob UK)
Q3: Do I get the minimum wage at 14?
A: No, children under school-leaving age (under 16) are not covered by the national minimum wage yet. You’ll have to agree pay with your employer. (reed.co.uk)
