My life seems to be a constant battle of two goods turned evil. Overeat and be happy or to practice self-control and not gain weight. Complete my homework and be anxiety free or to sleep. Most of us adolescents can agree that the demands and potential awards of the tasks in our life can leave us in a near catastrophic frenzy.

So for those of you struggling between wanting to have some dough from a job, as well as having some time for yourself, I have found a balance. There is a way to pay for everyday teenage needs without being obligated to a tax-paying job’s hours.

1. Babysitting:  The classic teenager-quick-cash job option. As much as you may or may not like children, parents will always want date nights and will always have obligations where they can’t bring their children. Therefore, sitters will always be in demand. The great part: you have the option to take on or turn down the job based upon your own availability. I babysit twice weekly and occasionally on weekends, and as of late, haven’t had an issue funding any of my leisure activities. The cash flow isn’t consistent, but it does fund your own date nights.

2. Snow Shoveling: It’s only a seasonal task, but as this winter has shown, snow could be on the ground for half of the year. I watched my two brothers shovel just within our neighborhood and together brought back a couple hundred dollars after eight hours. We are young. The majority of house owners are not. If they don’t have a youthful, able body they can force to do the shoveling without pay, you’re in luck. They will pay you and they will pay you well if they’d like to get out of their driveways within the next week.

3. Yard/House Work: For the second half of the year, those same more accomplished persons have less than able joints. Pick weeds. Mow lawns. Wash windows. Plant flowers. Clean cars. Not only will your work be appreciated, but your company will too. Earn some cash and some words of wisdom for someone with much more experience.

4. Get crafty: Utilize your abilities. Make products that appeal to the masses. Believe it or not, the hobbies you enjoy can make money. I once knew a girl who learned how to make wrist bracelets from string and made a couple hundred as a 13-year-old. Another made bejeweled iPhone cases, selling each for $10. Sell pastries at your local market if you have a hand for baking. Submit your news pieces or narratives to newspapers for publication, recognition and some dough.

5. Tutoring: Although not as tangible as other skills, your smarts can be employed as well. If you don’t consider yourself fit for tutoring courses on your own academic level, advertise to middle or elementary school parents. If you have mastered trigonometry, sixth-grade pre-algebra would be second-nature to complete and effortless to teach. Most tutors charge at least $30 for a 60-minute session. That’s bank for a high school student. These blocks of time can be arranged to accommodate your own schedule, as well as the tutoree’s.

A shortage of time is no longer an excuse for a shortage of income. Apply your own abilities and assist the needs of others. Pay attention to the obvious work surrounding you. Money is everywhere.