A new survey of British teenagers has revealed that less than half have a weekend job but that they’re still earning a bit of extra cash from side hustles
Less than half of today’s teenagers have got a weekend job compared to previous generations, a new study shows.
Just one in seven (15%) 16 &17-year-olds is currently making money from a casual role like working in a clothes shop, doing a paper round or stacking shelves.
And it shows a big generational shift with over a third (35%) of the adults polled saying they had some kind of Saturday shift or early morning runaround at the same age.
Instead, according to research from NatWest Thrive, more than one in five (22%) teens would like to make cash from things like creating social media content (44%), gaming and streaming (38%), or reselling clothes online (35%).
But the ways they’ve been making some extra money is selling things they no longer want (56%), tutoring younger kids (10%), buying and selling collectables (14%) and charging for a skill or hobby like music or art (22%).
And, according to the poll of 1,000 adults and 1,000 16-17-year-olds, the average teen has topped up their pocket money with a side-hustle by £389.
The younger generation are also no longer looking for one secure job, with over a third (34%) choosing entrepreneurship over a secure role.
Four in five (80%) also said they want at least two different sources of income, with 34% set on three or more different jobs.
AI is also fuelling this trend, with more than one in three (35%) teens already using tech to create business ideas, using it to create social media content (15%) and to build websites (9%).
But teenagers said that there is a difference between the dreams and reality of starting their own side-hustle, and nearly half (41%) think online content makes success look quicker than it probably is.
While more than a third want entrepreneurs to be more open about how long it took to make a profit (37%), the mistakes they made (36%) and how much money they needed to get started (35%).
Teens are also being inspired to take their futures into their own hands with a greater focus on control of their own fate (42%), and others want to be start-up millionaires after seeing other young people make money online (28%).
In response to this, NatWest is launching Money Talks by NatWest Thrive, a new campaign helping 16–17-year-olds navigate the money decisions that come with building income outside a traditional salary.
Content creator, broadcaster and former Gogglebox star Joe Baggs is fronting the campaign, with a two day event this weekend and said: “When I started out, I had to learn a lot about money as I went, and that’s often the part you don’t see behind the success stories.
“Money skills matter, whatever route you take, and having that knowledge early can make a real difference. That’s why I wanted to get involved with Money Talks by NatWest Thrive, to help young people feel better equipped for the choices ahead.”
Emily Fuller, Head of NatWest Thrive, added: “Young people are thinking differently about how they want to work and earn, and financial education needs to keep pace. Through NatWest Thrive, we’re helping them build the money skills they need to make informed decisions, whatever path they choose.
“Money Talks by NatWest Thrive builds on that support, giving 16–17-year-olds practical guidance and honest insight into the financial realities behind entrepreneurship, side hustles and earning from their passions.”
Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Rt Hon Lucy Rigby KC MP, said: “Young people sharing their experiences of earning money with others who want to do the same will be invaluable – helping make sure more young adults have the practical skills they need, as well as understanding the realities of what it takes to get something off the ground.
Find out more about Money Talks by NatWest Thrive, explore resources and learn about the event here
Top 10 entrepreneurial ways teenagers would like to make money
1. Creating social media content – 44%
2. Another small business – 42%
3. Dog walking / pet care – 38%
4. Gaming / streaming – 38%
5. Cooking / baking – 37%
6. Photography / video – 37%
7. Selling things they’ve made – 36%
8. Digital or technology-based work – 35%
9. Reselling clothes / other items online – 35%
10. Fashion / beauty – 33%
Top 10 entrepreneurial ways teenagers have made extra money
1. Sold things they no longer wanted – 56%
2. Babysat – 27%
3. Charged for a skill or hobby such as art or music – 22%
4. Helped in a family business – 20%
5. Bought things specifically to resell for profit – 19%
6. Had a newspaper round or weekend job – 15%
7. Made and sold crafts, jewellery or other handmade items – 14%
8. Bought and sold collectibles – 14%
9. Tutored younger children – 10%
10. Started or ran a small business – 9%
Top 10 ways teenagers are using AI to earn an income
1. Coming up with ideas – 35% 2. Designing a logo / brand – 16%
3. Creating social media content – 15%
4. Managing money – 12%
5. Creating a business plan – 11%
6. Setting prices – 10%
7. Building a website – 9%
8. Researching competitors – 9%
9. Writing adverts – 9%
10. Creating products – 9%