Minimum Wages Are Rising Across the Country. Should They Apply to Minors?

[Ghost in the Machine]

15. As a teenager, I made more than the minimum wage working for myself cutting grass. My dad used to

take me after work and on the weekends. I had a pretty good route established. When I turned 16, I had a truck, trailer, riding mower, push mower, weed-eater, edger and hedge trimmers. It was good work during the spring, summer and early fall, but once it got cold and mowing season was over I worked in fast food... didn't make anywhere near what I made cutting grass.

When I graduated from high school I moved back to Miami and had a job with the pipefitters union. I was making first year apprentice wages, which was more than double the minimum wage at the time, and thought I was shitting in high cotton at the time... making $6.75/hr when minimum wage was $3.35/hr. I can remember thinking I'd be living like a king when I got to $10/hr!

When I was in my 30's, I was making $22/hr and working 80+ hours per week. I can remember telling people that I wouldn't even get out of bed for less than $12/hr.. that would get me to show up... if they wanted me to work hard they were going to have to come off of at least $15/hr and if they wanted to see me sweat, they better start talking $18/hr or more. Of course I was a certified welder, certified crane operator and certified for heavy duty, high reach, all terrain forklifts. I also had my own truck and trailer with a gasoline powered welder/generator and all the tools for welding, iron working, wood framing, metal stud framing and hanging sheet rock. I was usually hired as a foreman or superintendent on construction jobs. I was also known as a high-rise & commercial roofing carpenter with a good reputation.

All I can do now is look back on those times and wish that I could still do it. I was disabled in a construction accident almost 12 years ago and now make less than half in a month than I did in a week back then. I was making over 2 grand per week before I got hurt. After 2 major neck surgeries, I can't sit, stand or walk for more than 20 minutes at a time with out having to lay down to rest my back and neck. If I could find a job that allowed me to do that, I would take advantage of the "Ticket to Work" opportunity that disability has offered me to supplement my income. I was a major workaholic and suffered through depression the first 2 years after they told me that I would never work again. I finally came to terms with the fact, but still get depressed once in a while when there's more month than money, but I get over it because I know I can't change it.

I think EVERYONE should be able to earn a living wage as it will help the younger crowd be able to make something of themselves and give them a good start in life. It's sad to hear kids saying they can make more money selling drugs than they can by working a real job. They end up getting busted sooner or later and ruin their future. We need to give our youths a fighting chance to make it legitimately.

Peace,

Ghost