Starting a chocolate business is one fun way to make money.

Independent Women

By Karen Newman

Having your own money grants you a number of freedoms. It allows you to decide (within reason) how you will spend and save it, provides you with a sense of responsibility, and limits your dependence on others. Being able to provide for yourself—even in small ways—is a giant step on the road to really being an independent person.

Sounds great, right? But now what? Having your own money isn't about saving your allowance and birthday checks. Having your own money is about earning. And to earn money, you must work for it.

Time is Money

Getting a job is a lot of responsibility and the first thing you'll need to figure out is how much time you have to devote to it. Paper routes, store assistants, and waitressing jobs, for example, will require a regular commitment on your part, which likely will mean you'll have to work every week. Other jobs like babysitting or mowing the lawn can be more flexible—you can take on as much or as little as you like. On weeks when there's a ton of stuff going on at school, you can babysit less.

Start Looking

Now that you've decided how much time you can give to working while still keeping up in school, it's time to go out there and find some work. For babysitting jobs, ask around the neighborhood and speak to your parents' friends—and your friends' parents. Churches and other organizations are also great places to meet people in need of babysitters—you can get to know them (and they, you) first. If someone doesn't know you, they may ask for references. First babysitting gig? Give them the name of a teacher, coach, or other adult that knows you well and who you trust. They can vouch for your character and that should be enough.

Highlight your Skills

If you don't already have waitressing or retail experience but are interested in working in one of these fields, highlight other relevant things that you have done that showcase your expertise. For example, maybe you've never worked in a store before, but as an athlete, you are an expert in sports equipment. A great idea might be to apply for a position at a sneaker shop or sporting goods store. Never worked as a waitress? Write down on your application examples of when you've helped out or organized bake sales, volunteered at a soup kitchen, or even served lunch to campers over the summer.

Hard Work Pays Off

Getting a job—especially a first job—isn't always easy. It involves hitting the pavement and not giving up, even after 50 no's. The 51st could very well be the big YES you've been waiting for. But, despite being hard sometimes, and not necessarily as glamorous as you had hoped, what getting a job and working hard does mean is that you can rely on yourself. What that means is up to you. Whether it's splurging on a pair of shoes or saving up for an emergency, having your own money makes you an independent woman.

To find out more info on how to be an earning-savvy "Independent Woman", check out the Money Smarts website.