Where do I actually start with working online?

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deathLynX

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#237687 13-Jun-2018 15:52

Ok, so I didn't really know what to put in the subject, anyway, my current situation is that I'm currently not working, still live with my parents, I'm 19 and I have all the time in the world, 200 bucks in the bank and I'm just looking for options really.

Seeing as I'm not working at the moment I reckon I should be able to do something online right? I just don't have a clue where to start, whenever I do a google search I just get too overwhelmed by all the garbage that comes up and it just seems like its impossible to make money online.

I seem to be bad at finding where to start with things because I also would like to learn graphic design but I don't know if its worth it and also have no clue where to start.

As for my education, well I was homeschooled, that says it all really, never got any NCEA levels or anything like that.

So yeah I have my pc and time and that's about it.

Thanks for any help and I will check back here later.

nzkc

1274 posts

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#2036009 13-Jun-2018 15:55

Somewhat off topic:

If you've got the time, why not go get those NCEAs or other qualifications?

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Aredwood

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#2037872 14-Jun-2018 20:43

If you really want to learn graphic design, there are plenty of courses at universities, polytechs, other private training companies. And the government has introduced a scheme to waive alot of the course fees. And there are also student loans.

Also consider work experience. You also need that. Even if it is only working at the supermarket or local pizza store. As even that shows that you have customer service skills, and are reliable enough to at least show up for work. Sure, the pay will only be min wage. But remember it is only a starting wage, and not forever.

As for making money online, if you can make super popular Youtube videos. Or are extremely good at online gaming for example, you can. Otherwise remember you are competing against lots of people in 3rd world countries, who would be happy earning only $2 an hour or so.

Work experience and a work ethic are extremely important. In alot of cases, more important that getting a university degree. I got my first job not long after I turned 16 (Noone would employ me while I was still 15). It was just at Mc Donalds, but you will be surprised at the number of doors experience at a major fast food chain opens up. You can still learn graphic design or do stuff online at the same time. Also sign up at a local labour hire company (Allied workforce or similar companies). Yes I know that alot of the jobs that you get sent to will be horrible. But it is an easy way to try out lots of jobs, and if you have a good work ethic, you will get offered permanent jobs. Once you get a permanent job, stay in that job for at least 1 year if you can. As it looks better on your CV

But remember, you will be competing against people the same age as you, who already have 3 years work experience. And NCEA credits. The longer you leave it, the harder it will be to catch up. Im now in my early 30s, and own my own house in Auckland. And Im a fully qualifies plumber / gasfitter. Yet I know people who are the same age as me, who I have known back when I still worked at Mc Donalds. And they are still stuck in min wage jobs. And also some people from back then, who now earn well over $100K per year. Since you are still 19, you wouldn't have seen the above yet. But it is a real eye opener.

Main thing - do something. You don't want to be one of those people stuck on the dole or in a min wage job for their whole life. And tell all of your friends / family that you are looking for a job. As many as 90% of all job opportunities never get advertised. And instead get filled by people referring family / friends etc. I even has this happen today, Friend who is a sparky, was asking around as the company he works for wants to hire an apprentice. And It just so happen that I know someone who might be interested in that job.

hio77

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#2037914 14-Jun-2018 22:50

As above, i'd also suggest getting something customer service related. This gives you a good baseline to step into other roles.

Just applying for roles feels like your doing something, but it really isn't enough. Speak to folk, make some connections if you can. someone will always have a friend who knows someone that's looking for a role to be filled :) - It took me about 3 years to work this one out. While i did work online in that time, it was rather antisocial.

When i was out of study, this is exactly what i did while trying to get my life back on track.

i went in as a kitchen hand, did my first trial and was told "It's up to you from here, Turn up tomorrow for work, work you ass off and it's yours. If you don't feel it's the right thing for you no problem."

not only did it gain me experience and references, but as a person i had major growths.

i look over my work history after the last 5 years and say, yep. that was the game changer that allowed me to grow so well at spark.

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Stu1

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#2037929 15-Jun-2018 06:42

hio77:
As above, i'd also suggest getting something customer service related. This gives you a good baseline to step into other roles.

Just applying for roles feels like your doing something, but it really isn't enough. Speak to folk, make some connections if you can. someone will always have a friend who knows someone that's looking for a role to be filled :) - It took me about 3 years to work this one out. While i did work online in that time, it was rather antisocial.

When i was out of study, this is exactly what i did while trying to get my life back on track.

i went in as a kitchen hand, did my first trial and was told "It's up to you from here, Turn up tomorrow for work, work you ass off and it's yours. If you don't feel it's the right thing for you no problem."

not only did it gain me experience and references, but as a person i had major growths.

i look over my work history after the last 5 years and say, yep. that was the game changer that allowed me to grow so well at spark.

Call centers are great entry points into the workforce and heaps of opportunities to go into other roles

MichaelNZ

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#2038464 15-Jun-2018 23:07

I do both tech work and sell stuff online so I will try and offer you real world and sincere advice.

The worst mistake I made at your age was acquiring student debt. Don't do it. There is plenty of free education available online now. If it comes down to it, save the money and get some certificates through online e-learning options.

Now with that out of the way-

The $2 per hour thing @Aredwood mentioned is very real. My wife is Filipino and I have lived in the Philippines (2017), so for me, this is not an abstract or distant concept. My Brother in Law earns P300 per day. That's about US$6. My wife earned around NZ$564 per month as a university qualified school teacher. And I have seen far worse poverty than my family, on my wife's side, who are all well fed and live in a house.

How is this relevant to you?

Well very, because you will need to acquire skills which local companies don't trust people in 3rd world countries to provide or (for reasons which will become painfully apparent if you visit or live there - a life experience I recommend) they are too ineffective or inefficient at providing.

Forget selling crap online. The horse has largely bolted on that.

From what I have seen, the best money to be made at your age is through developing something - software, app or online service.

I wish you all the best.

If I see you come back and engage with your thread I will likely make further posts.

Aredwood

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#2038469 15-Jun-2018 23:32

Also consider getting a trade, but only look a registered trades. Electrical, building, plumbing etc. Trades that require you to hold a licence for you to legally do any for profit work whatsoever in that trade.

When you get fully qualified, you have the freedom to be self employed, start and build up your own large company, or work as an employee to someone else. Even as an employee you still have a lot of power. As if your boss won't pay you market rates. You can hand in your resignation, and start your own company directly competing against your former boss.

And because it is physical work that is always different each day, It can't be offshored or done by AI. And the licensing rules make it very difficult for immigrants who don't have residency visas to enter the trades. Which also helps with job security.

MichaelNZ

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#2038472 15-Jun-2018 23:35

Aredwood: Also consider getting a trade, but only look a registered trades. Electrical, building, plumbing etc. Trades that require you to hold a licence for you to legally do any for profit work whatsoever in that trade.

If I was younger I would do this.

Gas fitting is a racket. If trades interest you check that one out.