Rolled through a McDonald's today and they had a “Now Hiring” – for lack of a better term – “sign” (it was a piece of printer paper with zany font on it) saying:
“New Hires: $16.50/hr starting pay, 32+ hrs/week guaranteed
High Schoolers: $14.00/hr starting pay, 20 hrs/week”
Idc what anyone else thinks: this is bullshit. Just because you're in high school/a teenager does not mean you are worth less than your co-workers. I've worked with teenagers before, and some of them were harder working than any of the 21+ crowd that I worked with there.
In fact, high schoolers, you should all demand more, or walk. The service industry is going to be heavily (if not already) relying on teenagers because high schoolers are looking for work and “can afford” to take $14/hr. Don't fall for that garbage.
If you're applying for a job, do not take the “High Schooler Pay Rate”. Demand at least $20/hr (still below what minimum wage should be) and if they don't pay up, thank them for their time and walk away.
Seriously – they older generations what to shit on Gen Z and blame them for everything now? Bring them to their knees. Show them your power.
Don't work; demand wages.
Edit: When I (29M) was in high school, I was making $7.50/hour. Even then it was chump change. That was 15 years ago.
Love,
A Millenial who Supports Your Fight