Question:

Has anyone been criticized bc they have a minimum wage job?

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Well, it happened to me last night and I was stunned! Let me explain: I have a part-time job cleaning offices at night. It pays minimum wage ($6.55/hr). I wanted to make a little extra $ to keep my debt snowball rolling in the right direction (dave ramsey). I also work in a school office during the day and make more than min. wage at that position. When I arrived at my 2nd job last night, there were some employees still hanging around talking. As I walked by w/my cleaning supplies, I spoke to them (as I always do) and after I rounded the corner, I heard one of them say, "Oh, the cleaners are here. There is NO way I'd take a job like that....they only get paid minimum wage. That is so lazy to not want anything better for yourself." Needless to say, I was beyond angry bc I couldn't BELIEVE what I'd just heard. So, I stayed around the corner for a few minutes, then doubled back. When they saw me coming down the hall, they had the "oh c**p" look on their face bc I'm sure they were wondering if I'd heard them. Two of the three took off. I purposely stopped to clean an office across from where the other one was standing and said, "You know, I heard what was said and y'all are so misinformed. I work in a school office during the day and come here at night for extra money. You never know what someone's situation is." Of course, she denied being the one who made the comment, but I got my point across. I'm sure she also ran & told the other 2 what I said...which is what I wanted her to do. That was just c**p! Normally, I'm not confrontational like that, but that made absolutely no sense. What I said is true...you NEVER know what someone's situation is. Even if that was my only job they should have kept their mouth(s) shut about it and went on. It'll be interesting to see how they act if I run into them when I go in tonight.

Has anyone else been made to feel like they're "less than human" or "beneath someone" just bc they have a min. wage job?

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2 ANSWERS


  1. Of course.  And rightly so.

    Even for a part time job, if minimum wage is all you can manage, you have a problem.  I've been there several times, and the only reason that I had the job was because I WAS lazy, and I settled for something beneath me.  Minimum wage jobs are for teenagers, or someone just getting back on their feet.  To take a minimum wage job, even part time, is to tell yourself that you can't do any better.

    Having said that, I don't say these things out loud or behind someones back.  That's just rude.  The only reason I shared my view on this with you is because you asked.  

    Once again...I've had several min. wage jobs...it made me feel like a loser, because they are the lowest part of the 'food' chain and any moron can perform them.  I'm not saying that you are a moron....but you are doing a moron's job...


  2. No, but I have made a nasty remark about someone who made minimum wage..such as janitors, restaurant workers, etc.

    However, reading your question has seriously opened my mind and made me realize that I was being a "s****. jerk". You are right, I and others who have criticized individuals who decide to work at minimum wage jobs have no idea what that particular individuals circumstances are. Therefore, we should not rush to job.

    Shame on me.

    Good for you for asking this question. It is a rare occasion when someone asks a question on Y/A that challenges me to change the way I think and my attitude towards others.

    Thanks.    

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