The minimum wage debate has been going on for quite some time now. After reading Grant Cardon's post on a similar topic, I wanted to voice my own opinion on the matter.
There are people who start their working lives in a minimum wage job. I started mine at a fast food hamburger restaurant called Carl's Jr where I was the drive-thru cashier. For US Steemians, you may also know it as Hardees. I wish I had a picture of myself in that uniform so I could share it with you all!
What I learned in this job was important. I learned what it meant to have a work ethic and what the value of a dollar truly was. I had to work under time pressure and in a hot environment where customers would rarely have any kind interactions with me. I had fun because I had some great coworkers and I had some extra cash in my pocket. But I definitely do not want to return to a job like that ever again.
I learned something else that is even more important than everything I mentioned above. Employees who earn minimum wage are paid the minimum because their skills as employees are expendable. This means that employees who earn minimum wage can easily be replaced.
A minimum wage should be nothing more than a stepping stone to something better. If for some unfortunate reason a person loses their job, they can fall back on a minimum wage job on a temporary basis while they find another job that pays more. But someone should not make a career from a minimum wage job only.
I have seen and heard multiple people complain that the minimum wage is too low. But what they fail to understand is what I already stated above. Their job requires practically no specialized skills or at least no skills that warrant higher pay. If they want a higher wage, they need to develop their skills into something that allows them to earn that higher wage. Regardless of what they do, they definitely should not hold their breath until legislation is passed that increases the minimum wage.
Instead, each person needs to have the inner motivation to seek something better for themselves and their loved ones. This can mean going to night school or going through some self-education program that allows the person to learn new things or develop already present skills to a level that warrants a higher pay.
Life will always give you what you deserve, not what you believe you deserve. If you believe you deserve more then work for it. Don't just wait until it's handed to you.
Other Suggested Readings
