I don't see how the math works in favor of the trade, at least not here. I mean: $10 net vs. $8.50+ benefits+ steady work?
What's the steady work impact? Well, last year I worked about 9 months out of twelve. 75%. ).75 x $10 = $7.50. Your actual annual earnings are less than those of the burger flipper.
Small wonder there's a "shortage." It's not a matter of simply "wanting" to work ... it's the market telling me that my efforts are better rewarded when used elsewhere.
Now, consider another location: St. Louis. Not only is the pay better (PW around $35), but your drive is likely to be closer to 15 miles than 50. Wild guess? There you'd be comparing an (adjusted) $20 to that minimum wage. Now, that's more like it!
Yet, that St. Louis burger flipper won't see much more than minimum wage. So, the contrast is greater.
