Best online jobs for teens in Malaysia

An increasing number of Malaysians are choosing to work remotely. With a wide range of job opportunities available online, people of almost any age can now make money from home, including teenagers but finding the right one can be tricky. Many online jobs have several requirements, such as education, age, and experience. We can help you discover how to find the right online job for teens and what types of jobs you can discover from the comfort of your home. Here's what we'll cover:

• How to choose the right online jobs for teens
• 20 online jobs suitable for teens in Malaysia
• How to balance online jobs with academic commitments
• How to create an attractive portfolio when applying for online jobs
• Conclusion
• FAQs

How to choose the right online jobs for teens 

Finding the best online jobs for teens involves legal restrictions, age, skills, interests, and availability. Here are some considerations to help you with your job search and make money online legally:

• Consider skills and interests: Identifying your strengths, skills, and interests can help you narrow down potential job options and find the right one. Once you understand your current abilities, work on developing specific skills or improving existing ones.
• Research online job opportunities: Explore gig economy jobs, internships, and apprenticeships through research. This will help you understand the expectations and requirements of the job roles.
• Understand legal restrictions: You may come across legal restrictions when looking for jobs online. Understand labour laws and regulations to know about permitted job types, age restrictions, and working hours.
• Seek reliable and safe platforms: Prioritise safety and reliability when looking for online jobs for teens. Go for reputable online platforms to find legitimate jobs.
• Set realistic expectations: It's essential to have the right expectations considering career progression, money, efforts, and earnings. A guardian or teacher can help you navigate this and set your goals.

20 online jobs suitable for teens in Malaysia 

Malaysia offers ample job opportunities for teens with its well-established remote work culture. With the rise of online and part-time work opportunities, you can find an exciting remote job and start making money online. Below are some of the best online jobs for teens:

1. Virtual assistance

Virtual assistants provide administrative support to clients and businesses. This includes tasks such as scheduling meetings, organising calendars, and bookkeeping. You may even help with social media management. You can start building your online presence to become a virtual assistant. To qualify, you need to have strong communication, organisational, and relevant technical skills. 

• Average salary: RM 2,650

2. Social media management

A social media manager creates, manages, and publishes content for a brand's social media accounts. You may need to create shareable social media posts and engage with the online community. Developing strategies to increase positive engagement is important.

To be a social media manager, you need to develop your social media skills, be creative, and have a strong understanding of social media platforms. You also need to have a strong online presence and learn how to network with others. You can start with internships or freelance work to gain experience.

• Average salary: RM 6,000

3. Online tutoring

Online tutors give academic assistance to students, administer tests, and provide assignments to work on. As a tutor, you may conduct classes using emails, video chat sessions, or webcasts. You can find online tutoring jobs through tutoring platforms. You'll need to set up your profile, listing your availability and payment methods, such as your PayPal account or bank account. 

A tutor requires strong subject matter expertise and teaching methods. It's great to have organisational skills like goal setting, time management, and planning. You also require good communication skills and adaptability to be a good tutor.

• Average salary: RM 3,000

4. Content creation

Content creators work on imagining and creating content for individuals and brands. Their role greatly varies and may include research and copywriting, project management, design, and brand analysis. They may also edit and promote content.

To become a content creator, you can start with blogging, creating web pages, sharing content, and exploring social media platforms. It's also important to understand internet safety and responsible online behaviour. You can consider taking online courses to learn more about content creation.

• Average salary: RM 3,900 (content writer)

5. Graphic design

Graphic designers create appealing visuals for advertisements, copy, and print media as part of marketing campaigns and needs. They often use graphic designing software to create images and layouts, carefully considering the font, style, look, and aesthetics. Become familiar with graphic design software to start your career in graphic design. Then, you can focus on building your portfolio to show your best work and market your services. Promoting your work and selling assets like templates, logos, and illustrations can help you get started.

• Average salary: RM 3,400

6. Data entry

Data entry personnel enter, organise, and maintain digital data. They also ensure the accuracy, integrity, and completeness of the data they enter. They can develop add-on skills to assist in other areas, such as data sourcing, compiling, and analysis.

Having SPM is often enough to get data entry jobs. Developing good typing skills and improving computer literacy can also be beneficial. You can take up apprenticeships or internships to learn on the job.

• Average salary: RM 1,800

7. Freelance writing

Freelance writers are responsible for creating informative and engaging content per their client's requirements. This can include copy, website content, reports, whitepapers, and blogs. Having SPM is often enough to get into this role. This job can help you improve your skills in interviewing subject-matter experts and data storytelling. Many online platforms provide freelance writing opportunities and can help you gain experience.

Building a portfolio is a good way to land online freelance gigs. You also need strong communication, organisational, and writing skills. 

• Average salary: RM 3,850

8. Online surveys and reviews

Taking online surveys and reviews is one of the best ways to earn money online as a teen. You can participate in paid online surveys or write product reviews for clients in your free time and earn money or points. Research reputable survey sites or platforms online to register and start earning money by sharing your opinions through reviews and surveys. It's essential to exercise caution when you provide feedback in surveys and avoid sharing personal details.

• Average salary: N/A

9. E-commerce assistant

An e-commerce assistant provides administrative assistance to companies. This may include writing product descriptions and specifications and creating high-quality images and videos. If you work in marketing, you may assist marketing managers in preparing and executing marketing campaigns.

You can start working as an e-commerce assistant by offering virtual assistance services or administrative support to individuals or businesses. Understanding e-commerce operations and online selling platforms can help you work well with clients.

• Average salary: N/A

10. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketers promote a company's products and services to customers in return for commissions. To start a job in affiliate marketing, look for suitable merchants and apply to their affiliate programmes. Affiliate marketers create content that drives sales, develop marketing and promotional skills, and earn commissions. A good understanding of social media and online marketing is essential. You should also ensure you meet the minimum age requirement for affiliate marketing.

• Average salary: N/A

11. Remote customer support

As a remote customer support agent, you can help customers resolve technical issues via phone, email, chat, or remote access (in IT cases). You may also answer customer queries, resolve issues, and relay product information. As part of this role, customer support assistants collect customer feedback and follow up with them when necessary. 

You can search online job platforms for remote customer service representative job opportunities. You can also provide customer support services as an independent contractor. Develop communication, patience, and problem-solving skills to offer good customer service.

• Average salary: RM 3,400

12. Video editing

A video editor edits raw footage into cohesive, engaging videos. Video editing may involve multiple tasks, such as selecting shots, trimming, and adding transitions, sounds, and visual effects. Several online platforms can help you showcase your video editing skills, connect with clients, and secure projects. Editing software skills and creativity can help you create and edit video and audio clips better.

• Average salary: RM 3,550

13. App or website testing

An app or website tester is responsible for testing the site's performance, usability, security, accessibility, and other aspects. You may also write automated scripts to perform repetitive tests. Find product testing websites or platforms that let you test them before their launch or release to the market. Having a good understanding of user experience can help you find online jobs in app or product testing.

14. Online language tutoring

As an online language tutor, you can create lesson plans to help students improve their language skills. Online language tutors also conduct fun exercises to help students appreciate what they're learning. Tutors monitor their students' progress and help them if they're facing any challenges. Create and set up your profile on online tutoring platforms to start finding individuals to tutor. In your profile, highlight your language skills and teaching abilities.

15. Digital marketing assistant

As a digital marketing assistant, you can help the marketing team plan, execute, and monitor online marketing strategies. You may need to engage with customers on different social media channels and resolve their queries swiftly. Learn the basics of digital marketing, such as market research, content marketing, email marketing, video marketing, and affiliate marketing. Practice by creating content, mastering search engine optimization, learning about advertisements, and promoting content.

• Average salary: RM 2,750

16. Stock photography

Stock photographers licence their photographs for commercial use and earn money online. For this, you'll need to work on your niche and market yourself on social media channels. Start by developing your photography skills to create in-demand stock images. Invest in good equipment and build a portfolio to showcase your work. Choose the right platforms to sell your work to buyers and understand the necessary legal documents for your photos to avoid rejection.

17. Remote internships

You could consider remote internship jobs in your areas of interest. Your duties may vary depending on which industry you're working in. Generally, you may assist teams in conducting research and surveys, compiling information, and performing basic data analysis and reporting. 

Explore online platforms and job boards to search for remote internship opportunities. Build a professional network to seek guidance and find jobs. Depending on the internship, develop organisation, commitment, and technical skills. 

18. Podcast editing

As a podcast editor, you can assist hosts in editing their podcasts based on their style, structure, and tone. You may edit out noises, add sound effects, and sequence the audio segments in the right order. Use freelance platforms and online editing services to find opportunities for podcast editing. You can also start by recording voice overs for podcasts and videos and transcribing audio recordings. Develop your skills in using audio editing software and focusing on details. 

19. Virtual fitness coaching

As a virtual fitness coach, you can guide clients through exercises and advise them on healthy diet plans. If your interest lies in this role, developing in-depth knowledge of fitness, anatomy, nutrition, and exercise science is beneficial. Consider getting a personal training certification to understand exercise science and find fitness coaching roles. You also need strong communication and active listening skills to excel in this role. Remember that you can only apply for this job after you turn 18.

20. Online art or craft selling

You can sell your art online to your targeted audience. Creating your art is only one step. You also need to focus on branding, photography, social media management, and sales to attract buyers. You can learn a great deal about managing your finances throughout this journey. Start by finding online platforms that let you create and upload custom designs and list your artwork. To sell things online, you can benefit from developing entrepreneurial and artistic skills.

How to balance online jobs with academic commitments 

Here are two ways you can balance an online job with academic commitments:

Create a realistic schedule

You can start by establishing a consistent daily routine. This routine should accommodate both job hours and studies, allowing you to stay productive, organised, and on track. For instance, you can list all your academic responsibilities, including class hours, assignments, study time, and exams. Based on your list, you can allocate working hours for your online job.

Complete the high-priority tasks first, whether they're work projects or academic deadlines. To improve your time management and develop discipline, you can also set up reminders or use time-tracking tools.

Understand academic and legal considerations

Try to make education your top priority and assess how your online job may affect academic performance and well-being. You may consider an online or part-time job that doesn't interfere with your studies, especially during exams or projects.

It's also important to be aware of the legal considerations of online jobs for teens. These may include age restrictions and work permits. Do thorough research to understand employment laws. Some jobs may require parental consent, especially for minors.

How to create an attractive portfolio when applying for online jobs 

Here are some ideas for creating an attractive portfolio when applying for online jobs:

Crafting an online portfolio

It's essential to have a strong digital presence to find jobs online. Having a portfolio can help you showcase your best work. Start with outlining your personal brand and professional goals. Research portfolio-building platforms that offer free templates to design the layout of your portfolio. Use a good theme, colour palette, and font before adding details. Details for your portfolio include a professional headshot, contact information, your best work, and professional goals. You can ask your family, friends, and teachers to help you with your portfolio.

Leveraging social media for opportunities

Social media can help you discover jobs and find the right clients. Your online profiles should reflect your professional interests. You can join relevant groups and communities to find great online jobs and network with people. You can post about your projects, share insights relating to your field, and contribute to online discussions to build a personal brand.

Social media also lets you follow and interact with industry leaders and companies. Engage with them by commenting on their posts and sharing relevant content. This can increase your visibility.

Conclusion 

Many fun online jobs for teens can help them earn extra income. Work experience can be useful in your future studies and career. You may also get to interact with different people and grow your network. To start, create a strong online presence. Blogs, websites, and social media channels that showcase your work can be helpful.

Make sure to research the job and the client before you accept work from them. With online scams increasing in Malaysia and around the world, it's important to exercise caution when looking for remote jobs. 

You'll need to manage your time effectively. Sometimes, it can be challenging to manage both work and studies. Take small breaks in between. Maybe go for a walk, meet your friends and family, or read a book. Remember that if your job gets demanding, you may need to prioritise your studies.

FAQs 

Here are some FAQs surrounding the best online jobs for teens: 

1. What are the benefits of working online as a teen?
   Here are some benefits of working online as a teen:
   Flexible schedule: Working remotely online may allow you flexibility while letting you study and work around other commitments.
   Extra income: Online work allows you to earn extra cash, which you can use as additional spending money. You only need a stable internet connection and your bank account to receive payments.
   Global opportunities: Remote and online work can give you exposure to global work opportunities. You can work from anywhere and have access to diverse jobs and clients in the online world.
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2. What are the greatest challenges of online jobs as a teen?
   While online jobs for teens can provide ample job opportunities and extra money, they also pose some challenges. One of the biggest is managing your work and your studies. The inability to handle both can lead to stress, poor sleep, and poor work habits. You may also develop feelings of isolation from work that can prevent you from spending time with family and friends.
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3. Are there any tips for succeeding in online jobs?
   One of the best ways to succeed in online jobs is to have a strong resume or portfolio. A resume can highlight your skills, coursework, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work to find jobs online. You can also invest time in developing relevant skills for the type of online job that interests you. You may consider taking online courses or training programmes to enhance your skill set. It's also essential to learn on the job and network with people to achieve success in the professional world.