Parent Says 'Feels Insane Wages Barely Moved In 20 Years While Costs Exploded' As Teen Makes $9 An Hour, Basically Just To Cover Gas And Iced Lattes

Core Insights - The comparison of wages between two generations highlights a significant stagnation in entry-level pay despite rising living costs [1][3][4] - The current minimum wage has not kept pace with inflation, leading to a decrease in purchasing power for young workers [4][5] Wage Comparison - A parent shared their experience of earning $8 an hour in 2005, while their daughter now earns $9 an hour at a café [2][3] - The parent noted that while the hourly wage appears higher, the cost of living has increased dramatically, making it insufficient for basic expenses [3][4] Cost of Living - Gas, rent, and food prices have tripled since 2005, significantly impacting the financial situation of young workers [3] - The current federal minimum wage of $7.25 has remained unchanged since 2009, which exacerbates the issue of low wages for entry-level jobs [5] Public Reaction - Other individuals shared similar experiences, emphasizing the struggle of managing expenses with low wages [3][4] - Some commenters pointed out that the current wage for entry-level jobs is only slightly above the federal minimum wage, raising concerns about the viability of such positions for teenagers [4][5]