The Age of Minimum Wage
By: Kim Sison
You turn sixteen years old. A new set of obligations
and responsibilities is set out for you. Start planning that future.
Start researching those colleges. Get your driver's license. Get a JOB!
Job. Why does such a small word sound so intimidating? Is it because
it's more of a strictly "adult" thing? Is it because the idea
of "going off into the real world" is somehow tied to it?
Whatever the reason is, it always seems like first jobs are treated
like huge milestones in life… one that almost everyone goes through
at one point or another.
So you've turned the legal age to be eligible to work. You're looking
for a little bit of extra grub because A: you need to save up for College,
B: you need to save up for that car you've been drooling over for the
past year, C: let's face it, you can't just mooch off your parent's
money all the time. So you set out looking for your first job. It's
not a career, of course… just any place where you can start off gaining
valuable experiences while making some cash. For some who are lucky,
they could get high-paying agency jobs on their first try. A dry, boring
office job maybe, but hey… it's well paid and it makes you look professional.
For others, it could be the summer jobs of their dreams: fun amusement
parks, hip clothing stores, entertaining arcades and video stores. And
then of course, there's your average fast-food joint… where you make
the burger and get paid for it. There is no doubt that there are plenty
of jobs out there for you to start with.
You go for your interview. You get that call back. You're hired. Celebration!
Your first job and another step out into the real world. You serve your
first shift… you realize your job isn't all as it cracks up to be. Alright,
so with each job… there is always a flaw. Movie theatres: You're up
until the wee hours of 2AM because the last movie ends then. Retail:
Sure, you've got the clothing discounts, but your manager's a tough
cookie to deal with. Office Job: You've typed up all the papers, and
now you have five hours to spare, twiddling your thumbs as you now somehow
find the activity to be quite amusing. Burger joints: You just learn
that people are savage, greedy little gits. Well, that's reality for
you. And though there are those instances where your job has crossed
the borderline between necessary stress and 'child labour'… you just
have to face the fact that each job has its flaws. While a petty job
should never strip you away off all your dignity, it's still never perfect.
Alright, so maybe that thought was traumatizing. Most jobs have their
flaws. But you also have to remember that now matter how much 'crap'
you put up with to make that extra cash… it's EXPERIENCE. These moments
are only baby-steps after all. They don't necessarily have to be your
career. In most cases, you gain the most from these experiences… like
how to work as a team, how to communicate with people. Learn while you're
getting paid!
So, you're contemplating on getting a part-time job? Go for it! Tough
it up! After all, minimum wage can seem petty to you… but hey… it's
money to start off it… and it's an experience you'll never forget.
