Otto and Paulus turned their skills into a summer job

A summer job doesn’t always have to come from a traditional employer. Sometimes, it starts with a simple idea and the willingness to try. Otto and Paulus are 20-year-old students who have been drawn to entrepreneurial ways of working from a young age. When they come up with an idea, they don’t overthink it, they test it in practice. This summer, they are traveling across Europe washing windows and showing how freelancing can turn your own skills into a source of income.

Trying different things and learning along the way

Working together and taking initiative have always come naturally to Otto and Paulus. Over the years, they have done window cleaning, cleaning gigs, tried out different campaigns and promotional work, and experimented with new ideas with a low threshold. One of their ideas even grew to the point where they were able to employ other young people.

Not every experiment turned into something long-term, but each one brought valuable experience.

“We’ve tried a lot of different things. We’ve tested ideas and seen what actually works”, Otto says.

“If we get an idea, we just go for it and see where it leads”, Paulus adds.

Instead of focusing on setbacks, they highlight what they’ve learned.

From a road trip around Finland to a bigger project

Today, their main focus is window cleaning, which also forms the foundation of their latest summer project. Two years ago, they traveled around Finland, funding their trip by washing windows along the way. The idea came from wanting to combine work and travel.

“We thought we’d travel and wash windows along the way to fund the trip”, Otto says.

After that first experience, they felt there was still more potential they hadn’t fully used. The idea for a new, bigger version of the trip took shape during their time in the military.

“We were thinking about what kind of project we’d genuinely be excited about. Something we’d actually dream about. That’s when we decided to do a similar trip again, but do it properly this time”, Paulus explains.

This summer, window cleaning is taking Otto and Paulus across Europe all the way to Morocco. Along the way, invoicing their work is handled easily through Eezy’s light entrepreneurship service.

A simple way to manage a moving project

A project like this involves more than just doing the work. There are invoices to send and practical matters to manage. That’s why Otto and Paulus felt that light entrepreneurship was a good fit.

“Light entrepreneurship brings so much clarity to invoicing. The idea of having to handle all the bookkeeping ourselves isn’t very appealing”, Paulus says.

They also value being able to focus on the actual work instead of administrative tasks.

International work was another important factor. They were surprised to learn that not all services allow invoicing abroad.

“We assumed invoicing internationally would be a given, but it turned out that’s not always the case. It was great that this worked through Eezy”, they say.

Simplicity in everyday work

Both Otto and Paulus have experience with other business models, so they have something to compare with. In their view, the biggest advantage of light entrepreneurship is simplicity.

They also point out that while some people focus on service fees, they often forget that traditional business models also come with costs like accounting and insurance. Time has value too.

“If you save time and can use it to find customers or do more work, it’s definitely worth paying for.”

Who is light entrepreneurship for?

Otto and Paulus see light entrepreneurship primarily as a way to test your own ideas. They recommend it to almost anyone who has a skill or idea they could offer to others.

They emphasize that many people already have useful skills. Someone might know how to fix bikes, another person builds computers, someone bakes, cleans, or coaches sports. Often the real question isn’t ability, but whether you’re willing to try.

“A lot of people already have a skill. Why not try turning it into income, even just with friends, family, or as a side job? It’s never been easier to test an idea.”

Your summer job can come from your own skills

If a traditional summer job doesn’t work out, Otto and Paulus wouldn’t just wait around. They would start by thinking about what they can do and what they enjoy.

They believe working as a light entrepreneur can teach skills you might not learn in a regular job. Future employers are also likely to appreciate initiative over an empty CV.

At the same time, they are realistic.

“This isn’t a shortcut to success. You still have to do the sales and put yourself out there. But if you’re willing to do that, it pays off.”

Their message to other young people is simple:

5 ideas for a summer job as a light entrepreneur

1. Window cleaning

Naturally.

2. Cleaning services

For private or business customers. For example, Airbnb cleaning can lead to recurring clients.

3. Coaching

Turn your skills, for example in sports, into paid training sessions.

4. Helping with everyday tasks

Such as grocery help, yard work, or other small jobs. Using services like EezyPay allows customers to pay on the spot and helps you get paid faster.

5. Almost any skill you can invoice for

If someone is willing to pay for it, you can turn it into work.

Follow Otto and Paulus, also known as Ikkunapojat, on TikTok as they travel across Europe.