Ways to make money as a teen

“I get paid for helping my parents with chores like doing the laundry, folding the clothes and washing the car.

I sometimes get paid a bit higher if my parents are satisfied with my work. To be honest, who doesn’t like money, right?

To earn money from your hard work is something everyone should be proud of, also save some of my Deepavali ang pow money.

I use the money to buy the items I want.” – Ameisha Sugumaran, 17“

I take part in competitions such as public speaking and debate that give out prizes, also save the balance of my weekly allowance given by my parents.

I keep my money in a savings account.

I’m lucky to have parents who provide everything for me, so saving money isn’t a problem.” – Balaji Varshan, 17“

I help out in my parents’ pharmacy during the weekends and school holidays to earn an income.

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I assist by handling customers, packaging products and cleaning the store.

Every month, I get a salary from my parents.

I started helping them at the pharmacy when I was 12 years old.

Although it is hard work, I feel very proud of myself for being able to help my parents.

I usually save the money I earn for a rainy day.

Sometimes, I use the money to pay for my school fees and books.” – Tan Zern Yang, 15“

I am a ballet dancer.

In ballet dancing, there are exams where we obtain grades.

I have done well in these exams, so my teachers let me teach junior classes.

Sometimes, I fill in for my teachers who are not available for classes.

It’s very enjoyable, and earning money for what I love doing is the icing on the cake.

Sometimes, however, my juniors do not listen to my instructions so it can be frustrating.

I use the money that I earn to buy food and ballet equipment.” – Ngoh Kelly, 16“

I hang out with my uncle during the holidays.

I help him wash his motorcycle, buy his motorcycle oil, and assist him whenever he needs me.

My uncle is just four years older than me so he and I bond very well.

I feel very happy when I am of help to him.

I keep any amount of money that my uncle gives me in my savings.

I save this money so that I can use it when I further my studies in the near future.” – Wan Martin Redzaei, 17“

I run a small business.

After discovering that most of the students in my school enjoy eating chocolate covered sunflower seeds,

I have been buying them in a bundle and repacking the seeds into smaller quantities to sell in school.

The stock would usually run out in one night.

My friends are always anticipating the next restock.

With the money that I earn, I am at liberty to buy the things that I want.

Since my parents sponsor all of my necessities such as school fees, food and other educational fees,

I don’t burden them on things that are trivial.” – Sharifah NurMirrah, 17

The quotes above were obtained by BRATs participant Gurjit Sadu Singh.

What are some other ways students can earn an income, apart from those mentioned in the article below? Name them.

Do you think students should try their hand at making money in their schooling years?

Why or why not?

Discuss with your activity partner.

You may even get your teacher or English language society to conduct a class or group discussion.

Now in its 24th year, The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme is continuing its role of promoting the use of English language through a weekly activity page in StarEdu. These activities are suitable for use individually and in groups, at home and in the classroom, across varied proficiency levels. Parents and teachers are encouraged to work on the activities with their children and students. In addition, Star-NiE’s BRATs Young Journalist Programme will continue to be a platform for participants to hone and showcase their English language skills, as well as develop their journalistic interests and instincts. Applications are now open for the BRATs 2022 programme. Follow our updates at facebook.com/niebrats. For Star-NiE enquiries, email [e-mail].