Here’s the honest truth, friend: even when the minimum wage goes up, the cost of rent, groceries, and healthcare rises faster. A $1 raise feels great for a month, then you realize your landlord already saw it coming. That’s not to be cynical—it’s to say don’t wait for the government to save you. If you can, use that raise as leverage—to ask for a higher position, to unionize with coworkers, or to negotiate a better schedule.
Until then? Keep an eye on your local news, check your pay stub every January and July, and maybe skip the $6.75 latte. Or don’t—you deserve a little joy while you’re waiting for that wage floor to finally, finally lift.
