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How to Balance School and Business
By Shea Allen
A Time for Everything
At the ripe age of 13, I own and operate two businesses that take time and attention away from my schoolwork. How do I keep up my grades and keep my Flyer Delivery Service and syndicated column afloat at the same time? I try to set a schedule that allows time for school, homework, after-school events, sports, and especially time to be with my friends. I've learned that owning a business at a young age can be a lot of fun and a great way to make some good money. I also realize I have to be consistent to make my businesses work and keep my customers happy. So I really have to prioritize how I spend my time in order to stay successful.
School,
Sports, Business, Play
First of all, it is necessary to balance school with my businesses. I sit down and figure out how much time I spend in school, homework, sports and extra activities each week. Then I know how much time I have to devote to running a business. School always comes first, so without filling up the rest of my day, I decide how much time I want to spend on trying to make money; it may be an hour a day, or a few hours per week. My agenda changes every week, so I set my schedule and try to stick to it. From experience, I know that when I stray from my schedule, business opportunities may be lost.
Dough on the Go
Even if you only have a few hours a week to devote to a business, there are several jobs that you can do. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Mow lawns
- Wash cars
- Be a party assistant
- Have an ironing service
- Make and sell crafts
- Start a babysitting service
So, don't wait around anymore thinking about it.... get started now and Good Luck!
Visit my website at www.sheaallen.com...and be sure to sign up for my
syndicated
column through email!
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Shea Christopher Allen, 13, is an 8th grader who has been writing a weekly syndicated newspaper column "Sharing Ideas With Shea...Talking Business kid to kid" for 3 years. The column is full of good advice for kids 8 years and older on how to make money on their own. Shea also delivers flyers to more than 2000 homes in his area each week for his other business, Destin Flyer Delivery Service. "I feel honored to share some of my best business tips with Family Biz," says Shea.