Understanding the Motivations Behind Fast Food Employment Despite Low Pay

The fast food industry has long been a topic of debate, especially regarding the low wages and working conditions of its employees. Despite this, many individuals continue to choose this path for a variety of reasons. This article delves into the motivations behind such choices, highlighting the often-overlooked factors that contribute to these decisions.

Economic Necessity: Survival and Security

One of the primary reasons that individuals choose to work in fast food restaurants is the necessity to meet basic economic needs. Many workers, particularly low-income earners, rely on these jobs to pay their bills and ensure they don't face the dire consequences of homelessness. This is especially true for those who lack other job opportunities or have different working skills. As such, low-paying jobs in fast food serve as a cushion for individuals trying to keep their heads above water.

Transportation and Proximity

For some individuals, the convenience of location is a significant factor. Fast food restaurants are often situated in areas that are close to where people live, making it easier for workers to manage their schedules and responsibilities. The proximity to home can also reduce commuting costs, which can be a significant burden for individuals who have already limited financial resources.

Low-Skill Requirements and Initial Job Experience

Fast food jobs are often seen as entry-level positions that don't require extensive skills or experience. This makes them accessible to a wide range of workers, including schoolchildren and those who are entering the workforce for the first time. Such positions offer a stepping stone to more advanced employment opportunities, allowing individuals to gain valuable experience in looking for and keeping a job. As Jean writes, 'Working in Burger King and McDonald’s are good jobs for schoolchildren and for anyone else who is unskilled and has no work experience. A chance to earn some honest money and to gain experience in looking for and keeping a job.' These jobs serve as a valuable training ground for young people, teaching them the basics of the workforce, including time management, teamwork, and punctuality.

The Exploitation Issue: Leveraging Skills for Better Outcomes

Some argue that even though the initial wages are low, the skills gained can help workers improve their positions over time. They might eventually move on to better-paying jobs. However, this is often seen as a self-defeating cycle, as the initial exploitation contributes to further economic hardships. Skills development is crucial, but it doesn't necessarily lead to substantial wage increases, and in some cases, the lack of a living wage leaves many workers stuck in the same or worse situations. As Jean reflects, 'Simply opens options to make you “less” exploitable not unexploitable. End of day how many “rich kids” work mcdonalds to start out. How many rich kids have to work there to get through school.'

The Socioeconomic Impact

The low wages in the fast food industry not only affect individual workers but also have broader socioeconomic impacts. The financial struggles faced by fast food workers can lead to a range of negative outcomes, from health issues due to limited access to stable nutrition to increased social costs from homelessness and healthcare. As a social experiment demonstrated, the majority would not voluntarily accept minimum wage unless coerced by the threat of homelessness or hunger. The cost of society includes housing, healthcare, food, and other necessities. In areas where wages don't cover these basic needs, the only way to get someone to agree to work is through the implicit or explicit threat of violence against them, such as the threat of hunger or homelessness.

Without the constant threat of homelessness or hunger, most individuals would find the arrangement of being paid less than the cost of living to be unpalatable. This is not a call for pity or sympathy, but rather a recognition of the fundamental nature of human society and its need to provide people with a means to meet their basic needs. Hartl's observation that people are 'procrastinating on healthcare' to pay for basic expenses is a stark reminder of the economic pressures faced by many fast food workers.

The Broader Implications and Revisions Needed

While working in fast food can indeed provide a start for many, it is important to acknowledge the exploitative nature of such jobs and the systemic issues that perpetuate low wages. The continuous exploitation of workers by corporations and the lack of meaningful policy changes contribute to the cycle of poverty and underemployment. As Jean suggests, 'Once saw a social experiment where placed a machine all you had to do was hold a button and once a hour it would spit out min wage. Weeks of it being left there and only handful did it once largely homeless.' This experiment highlights the human cost of underpaid labor and the systemic inequalities that keep many people in precarious working conditions.

Reforms are needed to ensure that all workers, especially those in low-wage jobs, receive a living wage and decent working conditions. This includes policies that address income inequality, enforce fair labor standards, and provide comprehensive support systems for workers, such as affordable housing and healthcare. By recognizing the challenges faced by fast food workers and advocating for meaningful change, we can work towards a more equitable and just society.