The values I learned while a youth have stuck with me. Work hard, make something of yourself, and you will reap the benefits. This is the land of opportunity (still), and there is no reason why every Mary and Joe out there can't learn a skill or go to college and get a better job. I stand behind what I said. I worked for Walmart for 7 years while in high school and college and recognized it for what it was, a temporary job unless I wanted to enter management and/or was an older retiree. Its the same with any minimum wage job out there. It's not a destination, its a step along the path, whether just starting out, or as a supplement to your retirement income.