[DoctorIrokezov]

I really want to know what job is so unprofitable that it can't afford to pay more. The argument I usually get is that it would hurt small business because they can't afford it. Mostly startups, businesses dealing with the upfront costs of infrastructure, low income without an established client base, and additional costs of advertising to develop that client base.

My parents have an accounting firm. I worked at less than minimum for them for years - a Classic case of somebody starting out at the Very bottom of the employment ladder and getting some experience only because it was possible to pay me what I was worth instead of what was dictated. (Fyi - Family members are explicitly excluded from minimum wage laws.) Sure, they make decent money now and I'm sure they pay everyone well above minimum as well, but it wasn't always that way.

And I not only don't resent being 'taken advantage of', I'm grateful for it. My early work experience (and borderline poverty experience) gave me a better appreciation and understanding of how businesses work and a definite leg up in my first few job searches. If anything, I'm disappointed that my kids probably won't get to have a lot of the experiences that have made me well rounded.