Husband had just finished mowing the lawn on Monday when two boys, looking to be about 11 or 12, came by offering to mow for us. They had their own mower. Husband explained he had just finished mowing, but they would certainly be welcome in the future to do it for us. Their asking price was reasonable.
I never had a “business” as a kid, unless you count babysitting. Girls in Luverne didn’t hire out to do lawn work back then. The boys who came by on Monday looked energetic and excited. There aren’t as many older people in the neighborhood as there used to be, so I hope they don’t get discouraged if they don’t get as much business as they hoped.
Husband has arthritis in his hands. I am having increased mobility issues with chronic sciatica, probably caused by lumbar scoliosis. I can see us hiring more yard work done in the future.
Did you have a business as a kid? What tasks do you see yourself hiring others to do in the future? If you were 12 right now, what business would you start?
Trail Baboon 
I didn’t have any businesses as a kid. In fact, I didn’t even have a job until my first long break freshman year of college. My dad didn’t want me to work when I was in high school because he didn’t want to get in the way of my schoolwork. (Ha ha. Like that would’ve even been possible.)
If I had a little more income, I’d love to have someone clean. I don’t need major cleaning, but it would really be nice if someone could come and dust and mop every couple of weeks. At this point, I’m not willing to cede any of the yardwork to anybody else. Except a little bit to YA.
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I didn’t attempt to create jobs for myself, especially not at age 12. When I was about 16 I started working for others.
About 40 years ago, I completely gutted and rebuilt our kitchen. Then I built a deck and gazebo.
About 18 years ago, in this house, I gutted and finished the attic space into what would become Robin’s studio.
I’m done with big projects like that. I just don’t have the energy for it. I would hire professionals now.
Of all the things we do in the yard, besides watering, mowing is probably the easiest. I can’t see hiring it out at this point. We are still quite capable of handling the rest as well.
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Maybe 20 years ago I talked to a young man I knew that had a lawn Business and asked him what he would charge to mow at our place. We had two kids I was still milking cows and cutting grass was about the last thing on the list. But even back then he wanted far too much money.
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https://photos.app.goo.gl/jnFqBc5XC4XCAUN67
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I had a summer job, or several, all non paying, such as getting cows, cultivating and hoeing gardens, picking berries, bringing in root crops, splitting wood, tending fences, harvesting oats, mowing the lawn (a large one), and the big job, haying season. Old Charlie up the road when I was younger used to pay me a quarter for turning his grind stone so he could sharpen his tools.
Clyde
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Get Up and Make Some Money, Baboons,
I did not ever have a job like lawn mowing (except at home, where I mowed regularly, even during the army worm infestation. Ick). I baby sat a lot, but I was not a great babysitter. I viewed that as free time away from my mother when I could read what I wanted or watch TV without censorship. Finding the book, “The Valley of the Dolls” at a babysitting house was really a revelation to me! I kept the kids safe and fed, their diapers changed, and then got them to bed so I could read and snack.
I did not think of myself as an entrepreneur in anyway, which is a pity, since I came to learn that I am a good entrepreneur. It puzzles me. I came from farmers and farmers are nothing but entrepreneurs, as they run their own businesses and make their calls for themselves. From our Ben’s Saturday posts, as well as thinking about the many family farms I knew, I have learned that. My Grandmother did not think of herself as such, either. She identified herself as “Farm Wife”. But she managed her chicken flock and sold eggs, managed the dairy sales, and preserved food to feed a large family. My mother could not make that intellectual stretch, and harshly criticized me for my independent ways. As a result when I did stretch my wings and start a business, I was surprised by the success. I wish I could have practiced as a kid and started much earlier as an adult.
Because of my hip replacement, I have hired a person to mow. I also am hiring a handyman to keep things in repair. These are all things Lou did in the past, and cannot do now, and I cannot step in and mow this season.
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Just babysitting in my youth, and the occasional lemonade stand…
I would most like to have someone come and do our windows. Husband used to be diligent about this when we changed to storms, before we got the combination ones. It’s been years now, and I’m really noticing it.
I imagine eventually we’ll need help with mowing, shoveling… but so far are able to manage.
I can’t imagine being 12 again. Uffda!
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I never had a business at 12, but I was working flooring during summers. Scrap Boy. Tool Carrier Kid. Little Broom Man.
I’d first learn everything on tech set up for computers, televisions, cable, internet, security, and telephones. I’ve heard that 12 years old minds quickly absorb that stuff.
My services to 72 years old ignorant guys (like me!) will be worth $150/hour
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I think the Baboons are all out devising business plans. The young gents offered to mow our lawn for $5.00.
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Plus tax?
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The tree is down!!!!!
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Congratulations – who did the last bit?
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We did it together. YA opted for the chainsaw on the ladder (memories of tim in Steve’s backyard) and me on the ground with the rope to guide it down. Went really smoothly and really fast!
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I wouldn’t mind having someone come in to do some cleaning. But I’d have to clean, first.
If money were no obstacle, I’d love to have a personal chef.
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Oh, THERE you go.!
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i had a paper route with the bloomington paper starting in 4th grade star and trib in 5th magazine sales in 7th
i love big jobs still
decks basement electrical and sheetrocking trees but my entrepreneurial calls are cranked up again. watch me go. im ready to go
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