Written by Heidi Griffin, Youth Employment Counsellor
Amongst summer employers hiring months in advance, high local youth unemployment rates, and a decrease in summer job postings, teen job seekers visiting the Youth Employment Centre this July are wondering what opportunities are still available?
If you’ve done all the things like upping your resume game and practicing your
charming elevator speech, maybe gig work might be something to try before the
summer season is over.
What’s a Gig Job?
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Gig jobs = quick, flexible,
skill-building, cash-earning wins.
They’re like side quests in the video game of life. No formal clock-in, just hustle and heart.
Here’s a breakdown of some ideas to get you started:
Babysitting
- What: Caring for children — meals, bedtime, games, maybe rewatch Frozen for the 37th time.
- Why it Works: In demand; parents prefer someone local
and trustworthy.
- How to Start: Take a babysitting course (like Red
Cross or St. John Ambulance), spread the word in your neighborhood or on community
Facebook groups that you’re available. With pre-screening and potential
age requirements, confident and 18+ caretakers can also explore a variety
of online babysitting registries such as Birdie Break, babysits, sitly, Care,
and Canadian Nanny.
Dog Walking & Pet Sitting
- What: Walk dogs, feed cats, cuddle critters, even do
overnight stays.
- Why it Works: Pet parents need help, especially during vacations or work hours.
- How to Start: If you’re 18+, sign up for Rover.
Younger? Post on Facebook groups, or pin up flyers at vet clinics or pet
stores.
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House Sitting
- What: Water plants, bring in mail, feed pets, keep an
eye on things.
- Why it Works: Great for teens with a trustworthy
reputation in the neighborhood.
- How to Start: Offer to help friends, family, or
neighbours heading out of town — then ask them to refer you to others.
Window Cleaning
- What: Clean interior/exterior windows for homes or
small businesses.
- Why it Works: It’s a job people avoid — which makes
it a great gig!
- How to Start: Invest in basic supplies (bucket,
squeegee, vinegar spray), and offer bundle deals (e.g. windows + bin
cleaning).
Bin Cleaning
- What: Power wash garbage/recycling/compost bins (yep,
the stinky ones).
- Why it Works: Surprisingly popular — no one wants to
do this themselves.
- How to Start: Use gloves, a hose, and eco-friendly cleaner. Offer to do neighbors’ bins on garbage day. Take before/after pics!
Car Washing & Detailing
- What: Wash, vacuum, and shine vehicles inside and
out.
- Why it Works: Cars get dirty year-round — especially
with Calgary dust and snow.
- How to Start: Offer mobile car washes in your community, and bring your own supplies (bucket, microfiber cloths, vacuum).
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Youth Refereeing
- What: Referee soccer, basketball, or other youth
league sports.
- Why it Works: It pays well, keeps you active, and
teaches confidence and conflict resolution.
- How to Start: Get certified through your local sports
association (e.g., CMSA for soccer)
Furniture Assembly
- What: Put together IKEA furniture, play structures,
desks, etc. Be the hero someone needs.
- Why it Works: Lots of adults hate instructions —
teens who are good with tools are in demand.
- How to Start: Promote yourself as the “Assembly Ace”
on Facebook groups or through family and friends.
Tutoring
- What: Help peers or younger students with homework
and studying.
- Why it Works: Parents love finding affordable,
relatable help for their kids.
- How to Start: Offer help in subjects you’re strong
in, and advertise at local libraries, schools, or online tutoring boards
and organizations.
Event Assistance
- What: Set up, serve, clean up, or assist at parties, weddings, or festivals. (Bonus: leftover cake!)
- Why it Works: Event hosts always need extra hands.
- How to Start: Ask local event planners, caterers, or
family friends if they need help — then build a name for yourself.
Gardening & Landscaping
- What: Mow lawns, pull weeds, plant flowers — and you’ll smell like outdoorsy productivity.
- Why it Works: Lots of people want a nice yard, but
few want to maintain it (or lack the time to!)
- How to Start: Offer services door-to-door, use
flyers, or post before/after photos online to build credibility.
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Tech Support
- What: Help others with their phones, computers,
printer setups, app installations, or social media use.
- Why it Works: Many people struggle with tech and need
a patient teacher.
- How to Start: Offer help to neighbors or older
adults, or partner with a community center to run basic tech tutorials.
Snow Shoveling (Plan Ahead for
Winter)
- What: Shovel sidewalks, driveways, and steps after
snowfalls.
- Why it Works: It’s essential (and legally required in
many Calgary neighborhoods).
- How to Start: Offer a flat rate or seasonal subscription.
Bonus: bring your own shovel and grit!
House Cleaning Services (a.k.a.
Helping Out… for Cash!)
- What: Vacuuming, dusting, mopping, cleaning
bathrooms, tidying kitchens, or helping with seasonal deep cleans.
- Why it Works: Most adults would love to offload a few
chores — and they often trust teens they already know. It’s a win-win: you
earn cash, they get a clean house.
- How to Start: Offer a “family and friends” rate for
regular cleaning or one-time deep cleans. Make a checklist of what you’ll
include, bring your own gloves and cleaning supplies if needed, and be
reliable! Start with people you know — word-of-mouth is gold for gaining
future clients.
Additional ideas that may
require some extra research, skills, access to a vehicle, or being 18+:
-
Fiverr
-
Rover.com
-
TaskRabbit
-
Shutterstock
-
Survey Junkie
-
Data Annotation
-
Door Dash / Uber
-
Sell handmade products on Etsy / Local Markets
-
Busker at local events
Make It Official
Once you’ve found your gig, market
yourself like a mini-entrepreneur:
- Post on social media (ask parents to share too). *Please be aware of internet
stranger danger!
- Create catchy, clear flyers and pin them at grocery
stores or community centers.
- Add a blurb in your community newsletter.
- Ask happy customers for referrals!
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Put It on Your Resume
Here’s the best part: it counts.
That bin you cleaned? The dog you walked? The neighbour’s overgrown lawn you turned into something Instagram-worthy? It’s all real experience.
You’re learning responsibility, communication, time management, and customer service — all resume gold.
And if you’re not sure how to write about it, come see us at the Youth Employment Centre. We’ll help you wordsmith your resume and cover letters like a pro.