A young professional sat in his father's study, asking for a loan. Not a huge loan; just enough to reign in his untamed credit card debt. As his father handed him the check, the son felt the need to explain himself.

“If the company paid more,” he said sheepishly, “I wouldn't have to ask for this.”

The father smiled, recognizing the moment he'd hoped for.

“Do they pay the president the same as you?” his father asked.

“Heck no! She makes a ton more than me. They say she has four houses – one for each season. Must be nice.”

“I see,” said the father, “So the company does pay more. They just don't pay you more.”

I wonder why more of us don't get it. It frustrates me when I hear people protest for a higher minimum wage. Hear me out.

I worked my way through college—mostly on minimum wage—paying my own tuition, with no student loans. Did I have help? Yes. Did I take a job I hated? Yep. Did you hear me whine about it? Well, yes! Not once, however, did I begrudge anyone for not allowing me to make more money. I was just starting my climb, not ending it.

America provides better opportunities, but to make them work, we have to become better people. Which begs the question, what have you done lately to prepare yourself?

Most of us stop learning at 18. A few more around 22, and a handful of others keep at it through graduate school. The vast majority of us stop actively pursuing our education once we're no longer required to do so.

Then what? For most, that's it. But people who make more than minimum wage know Fromm is right; unless they continue to educate themselves, they're destined to meet a mediocre future. And although keeping up with new technology, products and PPACA compliance is part of the equation, it's a more than that.

It's really about personal development. SURPRISE!

When I speak to groups, I always say, “You don't have to read my stuff, but you better be reading somebody's.” Why?

When we read, we're expanding our thinking. In some cases we're forming a new, more positive philosophy. In others, we're being reminded of a simple principle long forgotten. In still others, we're gaining new perspectives.

It's been nearly three decades since I made minimum wage, but if I had to do it again, I wouldn't be there for long. In America, the ladder is open to anyone who wants to climb on. How far you climb depends on how well you learn.

Instant Insights /

Why we don't need to raise the minimum wage

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