quote:
So instead of going out and getting a degree or learning a trade they just simply complain until they get more money for working at a fast food restaurant. Nice.

It's not just fast food workers that make that kind of money. I get contacted almost weekly by recruiters for jobs that are available. Today's was one that paid $16 an hour. I have Master's Degree with 10+ years in a related field. That's an insanely low wage for my qualifications. I declined to interview.

A friend, who is an interior designer, finds jobs offering $12-$15 an hour for people with degrees and experience.

The cost of living is outrageous out here. The economy is also crappy so employers know they can get top talent for low wages. Great for them now, but those people will leave when a better opportunity arises. And it's not always as simple as just pack up and move to another city, state, etc. Most people can't leave without a job and some people have families and are established out here.

I still don't think the government should be interfering. But don't think it's a bunch of unskilled, uneducated people demanding to be paid more. It goes beyond that.

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Posted by tlsu15

Capital of Texas

Member since Aug 2011

10050 posts

Posted on 3/31/16 at 2:38 pm to NoHoTiger

quote:
It's not just fast food workers that make that kind of money. I get contacted almost weekly by recruiters for jobs that are available. Today's was one that paid $16 an hour. I have Master's Degree with 10+ years in a related field. That's an insanely low wage for my qualifications. I declined to interview.

A friend, who is an interior designer, finds jobs offering $12-$15 an hour for people with degrees and experience.

The cost of living is outrageous out here. The economy is also crappy so employers know they can get top talent for low wages. Great for them now, but those people will leave when a better opportunity arises. And it's not always as simple as just pack up and move to another city, state, etc. Most people can't leave without a job and some people have families and are established out here.

I still don't think the government should be interfering. But don't think it's a bunch of unskilled, uneducated people demanding to be paid more. It goes beyond that.

This is true. It's not like everyone who was making slightly above minimum wage will still be bumped up to slightly above minimum wage. They'll all probably just sit at the bottom of the pay scale together, which I"m sure will create economic problems. That's why I think $15 is too high - it affects all those people who currently sit in the $12-$16 pay range. The federal minimum wage should go up to about $9 though. Every other state can adjust accordingly.

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Posted by LSUEEAlum

Member since Oct 2013

801 posts

Posted on 3/31/16 at 2:46 pm to NoHoTiger

quote:
The cost of living is outrageous out here. The economy is also crappy so employers know they can get top talent for low wages. Great for them now, but those people will leave when a better opportunity arises. And it's not always as simple as just pack up and move to another city, state, etc. Most people can't leave without a job and some people have families and are established out here.

Yeah but sometimes you have to sacrifice. If it's moving to better the life of your family or you working out of town for a while you have to do it. It's not always easy but if you are motivated you find a way. You don't lean on the government to fix things for you.

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Posted by Poodlebrain

Way Right of Rex

Member since Jan 2004

19860 posts

Posted on 3/31/16 at 2:51 pm to NoHoTiger

What does that tell you about the value employers place on your education and experience in a related field? It tells me they view you as worth about twice the current minimum wage. You made decisions that resulted in your current circumstances. Were you uninformed when you made all of those decisions, or did you give higher priorities to factors other than compensation?

Having unnecessary skills is not much better than having no skills. You can be the top talent in your chosen field, but that doesn't guarantee there is economic value associated with your talent.

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Posted by LG2BAMA