"Minimum Wage" Is Irrelevant

Jefferson · 11-14-2006, 09:24 AM

This is another reason why the whole Minimum Wage debate is stupid.

Some people aren't good enough workers to earn even minimum wage.

However, if you have skills, and are willing to work hard, you can pretty much write your own ticket in many job markets.

$25 hour for a beginning welder - with a $100 "just show up" bonus is not bad money, is it?

http://today.reuters.com/misc/Printe...R-UPDATE-2.XML

teethandclaws · 11-14-2006, 11:49 AM

"In Texas City, for example, they were offering a welder in the oil path $19 an hour at the beginning of the year. They're now offering $25 a hour, with a hundred dollar show up bonus, just to show up for work, and a completion bonus for your work," he said.

So, you can get paid big bucks in the oil industry, that's nothing new.

Secondly, welding requires education. It's not just go out and pick up an arc welder and woo-ooh, rolling in the big bucks. Education often requires not only the classes, but the purchase of equipment required for class and room and board.

And, by the way, the article which you refer to does not seem to be the uplifting piece you suggest once you read it through from end to end, it goes into talking about a decrease in construction jobs, decreased activity in the housing market in general.

Social Security gives a 3.3% cost of living increase per year, yet the federal minimum wage stagnates, because "some workers aren't good enough for" it? If they were that bad, they wouldn't be able to keep a job to start with, and on the flip-side, if all the employees are looking forward to is a minimum wage pay-check, why would they put forth maximum effort?

Jefferson · 11-14-2006, 12:00 PM

After 17+ years in one location, my family recently relocated FOR JOB REASONS.

YOU GO TO WHERE THE JOBS ARE.

Unless, or course, you're a Democrat. In that case, you just sit on your ass and complain that there are no jobs.
- Or you can complain that "da man is keepin' me down".
- Or you can drop out of high school and complain about not being able to get a good job.
- Or you can continue to be just flat-out lazy, and make no effort to better yourself or your situation.

I did my graduate work AFTER I was married, AFTER I had three kids and WHILE I was working 50-60 hours per week. I had NO GOVERNMENT FUNDING for it - it all came out of MY POCKET. So don't whine to me about jobs and education.

alias · 11-14-2006, 12:32 PM

There are a number of medical centers and hospitals offering a $2000 or more sign on bonus for medical transcriptionists.

Jefferson · 11-14-2006, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alias

There are a number of medical centers and hospitals offering a $2000 or more sign on bonus for medical transcriptionists.

Yeah, but you need an education to get those jobs - and that might interfere with your XBOX360 time! Or you might have to get out of bed before noon!

alias · 11-14-2006, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jefferson

Yeah, but you need an education to get those jobs - and that might interfere with your XBOX360 time! Or you might have to get out of bed before noon!

You mean I would have to study? Oh my. I'd rather just sit and get indoctrinated and pretend I am really smart on a forum.

Jefferson · 11-14-2006, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alias

You mean I would have to study? Oh my. I'd rather just sit and get indoctrinated and pretend I am really smart on a forum.

One of my professor friends is ALWAYS disgusted with our students that REFUSE to read, study and apply themselves. Then, at the close of the semester, those same students will ALWAYS come in with their sob stories about why they weren't able to do what ws required.

...and guess what? Almost EVERY one of them received government aid, in the form of Pell Grants, etc. Almost EVERY one!

College education is available to everyone in America. But MANY people aren't up to the task. Those that are, do. Those that aren't, vote Democrat.

alias · 11-14-2006, 12:58 PM

Some people need a nanny.

Jefferson · 11-14-2006, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alias

Some people need a nanny.

...and a swift kick in the canny.

teethandclaws · 11-14-2006, 03:57 PM

I wouldn't work in the oil industry, let alone move to work in the oil industry, and there are a lot of other jobs that I would not be able to do because I have a conscience and a heart.
Yeah, I do care about a lot of things and about other people I've never met. My life is about more than just money, but that doesn't mean that the federal minimum wage is not a problem for those who are depending on it for income.
You hear what you want to hear, and from seeing your reply to my post, read what you want to read. You did something with your life, good, I hope you're happy with that. Give others a chance to do something with theirs, as well.