Leaving school can feel like stepping into the unknown. If you’re not going straight into further education or a structured career path, you may find yourself wondering what to do next. The good news? There are plenty of jobs out there that can help you gain some experience, make money, and figure out what you want from your future.
I’m going to run you through 25 jobs that you can do as a school leaver. Some pay well, some don’t, but I’ll be honest about each. You can get these jobs while figuring out your next steps, whether that’s more education, travel, or a career change.
Jobs for School Leavers
1. Retail Assistant
Retail is one of the most common entry-level jobs for school leavers. It’s a great way to build customer service skills, get used to working in a fast-paced environment, and earn some cash.
Typical Pay: $9 – $13 per hour.
How to Apply: Most large retail chains have online applications. Smaller shops may prefer you to drop in your résumé.
2. Barista
If you like coffee (and can stand the smell of it all day), being a barista could be a good fit. Coffee shops are everywhere, and they often hire part-time staff with no experience. You’ll learn how to make fancy coffees, deal with caffeine-addicted customers, and work in a social environment.
Typical Pay: $10 – $14 per hour.
How to Apply: Big chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ have online applications. Independent cafes may want you to apply in person.
3. Bartender
If you’re over 18, bartending is a good option. It’s social, the hours can be flexible, and if you work in a busy pub, you can walk away with some decent tips. Be prepared for late nights and cleaning up after the customers who couldn’t hold their drink.
Typical Pay: $11 – $15 per hour, plus tips.
How to Apply: Walk into pubs or bars and ask if they’re hiring. Online applications for larger chains like Buffalo Wild Wings.
4. Waiter/Waitress
Restaurants always need waiting staff, and it’s a role that doesn’t require much experience. You’ll be on your feet a lot, dealing with people and working in a fast-paced environment.
Typical Pay: $9 – $13 per hour, plus tips.
How to Apply: Check online job boards or go directly to local restaurants.
5. Call Centre Agent
This job involves answering calls or making outbound calls to customers. It can be repetitive, and some people find it draining, but it’s usually easy to get into. You’ll also pick up some useful communication skills.
Typical Pay: $12 – $17 per hour.
How to Apply: Most call centres have an online application process, or you can apply through job sites.
6. Data Entry Clerk
If you’re good with computers and don’t mind repetitive work, data entry could be a good option. You’ll be inputting data into systems and checking for accuracy.
Typical Pay: $10 – $16 per hour.
How to Apply: Check online job boards like Indeed or Monster.
7. Warehouse Operative
If you’re more physically inclined and don’t mind working in an industrial environment, warehouse work could suit you. You’ll be packing, sorting, and lifting.
Typical Pay: $12 – $17 per hour.
How to Apply: Check job boards or look directly at websites of big warehouses like Amazon or Walmart distribution centers.
8. Delivery Driver
If you’ve got a driver’s license, being a delivery driver can be a great option. You can work flexible hours and get out on the road. The downside? It can get lonely, and you might be lugging around heavy parcels.
Typical Pay: $12 – $18 per hour.
How to Apply: Check with companies like FedEx, UPS, or even Uber Eats.
9. Uber Driver
Got your own car? Uber driving could be a way to earn money, as long as you’re comfortable being behind the wheel for long stretches. You set your hours, but bear in mind, you’ll need to cover car maintenance costs yourself.
Typical Pay: $13 – $20 per hour, depending on where you are.
How to Apply: Sign up on the Uber website and go through their checks.
10. Pet Sitter/Dog Walker
If you’re an animal lover, why not get paid to hang out with pets? Dog walking and pet sitting can be flexible, though it doesn’t always provide consistent income.
Typical Pay: $9 – $20 per hour, depending on your location and the number of pets.
How to Apply: Check platforms like Rover or advertise locally.
11. Nanny/Babysitter
If you’re good with kids, babysitting or nannying could be an option. Hours are usually flexible, and pay varies depending on experience and location. The downside is, not all kids are easy to handle!
Typical Pay: $10 – $16 per hour.
How to Apply: Use local babysitting apps or advertise your services in your community.
12. Care Assistant
Working as a care assistant means helping elderly or disabled people with their daily tasks. It’s a demanding role both physically and emotionally, but it can also be rewarding. If you’re empathetic and patient, it could be a good fit.
Typical Pay: $12 – $18 per hour.
How to Apply: Check job boards or apply directly with local care agencies.
13. Lifeguard
If you’re a strong swimmer, becoming a lifeguard might be an appealing option. It’s often a seasonal role, and you’ll need to be vigilant and calm in emergencies.
Typical Pay: $10 – $16 per hour.
How to Apply: You’ll need a lifeguard qualification, but once you have it, apply at local pools or leisure centres.
14. Kitchen Porter
Kitchen porters help out behind the scenes in restaurants, doing everything from washing dishes to prepping food. It’s hard work, but it’s a foot in the door if you’re interested in a career in hospitality.
Typical Pay: $9 – $12 per hour.
How to Apply: Ask directly at local restaurants or check online job boards.
15. Freelance Writer
If you’ve got a way with words, freelance writing might be worth a shot. The good thing is, you can work from home. The bad thing? Pay can be inconsistent, and it might take time to build up a client base.
Typical Pay: $0.03 – $0.12 per word.
How to Apply: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are good places to start.
16. Social Media Manager
Lots of small businesses don’t have time to manage their social media accounts, and if you’re savvy with Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, you could offer to help. This could be a fun role for anyone creative and good with tech.
Typical Pay: $12 – $25 per hour, depending on the client.
How to Apply: Pitch yourself to local businesses or start freelancing on platforms like Upwork.
17. Receptionist
Receptionist roles are often the entry point for bigger corporate jobs. You’ll be answering phones, greeting people, and handling admin. It’s a solid 9-5 job with decent pay for starters.
Typical Pay: $10 – $15 per hour.
How to Apply: Check online job boards or apply directly to companies.
18. Event Staff
From weddings to concerts, event staff help ensure things run smoothly. You’ll likely be working evenings and weekends, but it’s a varied and sometimes fun role.
Typical Pay: $10 – $14 per hour.
How to Apply: Check with local event companies or hospitality agencies.
19. Labourer
If you’re willing to put in hard physical work, labouring jobs in construction can pay well. You don’t need much experience, just the ability to lift and follow directions.
Typical Pay: $12 – $18 per hour.
How to Apply: Agencies like Randstad or Hays often have temp labouring jobs.
20. Gardener
If you’re green-thumbed, gardening could be a peaceful way to make money. The hours are often flexible, and you’ll be working outdoors, but it can be physically demanding.
Typical Pay: $10 – $16 per hour.
How to Apply: Advertise locally or work for a gardening company.
21. Housekeeper/Cleaner
Cleaning jobs are always in demand, especially in hotels, offices, and people’s homes. It’s straightforward work, but not everyone finds cleaning enjoyable. On the plus side, you can often work flexible hours.
Typical Pay: $10 – $15 per hour.
How to Apply: Apply to local cleaning agencies or advertise your services.
22. Admin Assistant
Admin assistants help with paperwork, filing, and general office tasks. It’s not the most exciting job, but it’s usually stable, and it gives you a chance to get your foot into different industries.
Typical Pay: $10 – $16 per hour.
How to Apply: Check job boards like Monster or Indeed.
23. Security Guard
Working as a security guard can range from monitoring CCTV to standing watch at events or businesses. The pay can be good, but you’ll often be working unsociable hours.
Typical Pay: $12 – $19 per hour.
How to Apply: You’ll need a security certification, like an SIA license in some countries, but once you have it, you can apply directly to security firms or through job boards.
24. Photographer
If you have an eye for capturing moments and you already own a decent camera, photography can be a great side gig. From events like weddings to selling stock images online, it offers variety and creative freedom. However, the work can be inconsistent, and building up a client base takes time.
Typical Pay: $15 – $50 per hour, depending on the gig and location.
How to Apply: Start by building a portfolio. You can market yourself through social media, local events, or sign up on freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
25. Tutor
If you did well in school and enjoy helping others learn, tutoring could be an excellent way to earn money. Whether it’s helping kids with math, science, or English, tutoring offers flexible hours and decent pay. You don’t need formal teaching qualifications to start, especially if you focus on primary or high school students.
Typical Pay: $15 – $30 per hour.
How to Apply: You can sign up on tutoring platforms like Wyzant or advertise your services locally. Word of mouth is also very effective.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—25 jobs that can get you started after leaving school. Some of them pay pretty well, others just about enough to get by, but they’re all accessible and offer flexibility. The key is not to stress about finding your forever career right away. These jobs are stepping stones—use them to learn new skills, make connections, and most importantly, figure out what you want to do long-term.
Applying is usually straightforward. Always have a decent résumé ready, tailored to the job you’re after. Take the time to write a good cover letter, and if you’re applying in person, make sure you show up looking presentable and ready to make a good impression. Sometimes just getting your foot in the door is enough to start building momentum.
