Interesting info-graphic from Bill Shrink regarding where minimum rage has been, where it’s going, and what’s happening right now. Couple more dollars I’d consider working at Arby’s.

Since we are on the topic of the future and minimum wrage I want to thank everyone for a good 2009 and look for more from this blog in the coming year. It’s a work in progress, but stick around, you’ll like what you see in 2010.

Or you might not reading. Stop holding me to such high standards!

The Past, Present, and Future of Minimum Wage (Bill Shrink)

I’m all for the shock factor. I’ve said some things on this very blog that I knew would get some knickers in knots. It was intentional. Normal is boring. So, it doesn’t surprise me when a writer sprints towards a different angle to cover a familiar storyline.

For example. Women and promotion. Blah blah men are favored. New angle is necessary and understood. That said. Don’t piss off women. Seriously. Dude. Don’t.

I will be honest. In my career, I have tended to promote more men than women. I have even generally given men higher salaries. Why? Am I sexist? Do men do a better job? The answer is a resounding no to both. Actually, it is mostly women’s fault. They simply don’t ask for raises or promotions as often as men do.

Is the coast clear? Hey, down here. Under the desk. Everything good? Cool. WHAT ARE YOU DOING MAN!!! Come here, let me smack you for putting that in print and just because you look like you need some swift five finger justice.

I’m sure there is some validity to the statement. Hell you even did a study. We all know every study is fact. FACT. Women aren’t as pushy as men. But I’d imagine there are just as many men who aren’t pushy and have also never asked for a promotion. Know what a pushy woman is called in the office? Bitch. Know what a pushy guy is called? Asshole. Guess who eventually gets promoted. Exactly.

Here is a suggestion; stop giving promotions and raises only when people ask. I know it’s the training and tradition of the old guard to only squeeze water from the compensation rock when people ask but how about avoiding all the uncomfortableness and rewarding work?

How many promotions or pay increases have I deserved in my career. Plenty. Hear my horn? TOOT. How many have I asked for? Maybe one. How many have I received by asking. Nada.

So let’s hear from the ladies. Do you think it would help to be more aggressive in the office? Do you think it’s just that easy that all you have to do is ask?

Why Men Don’t Promote Women More (Forbes.com)

Sometimes you just get knocked out of your seat by news that is so, sooo shocking. Did you know doctors are paid well? Fascinating. Wait, wait…the other top paying jobs involve managing money? I.AM.IN.SHOCK.

Yawnnnnnnnn

Top-paying jobs (CNN Money)

The filthy rich are actually getting poorer. By poor I mean they can only afford the knock-off bronze-encrusted toilet paper and not the typical gold laced towelettes. It’s the Forbes 400 Richest Americans. Now if you’ll excuse I’ve got some weeping in my car to get cracking on.

Don’t miss a Minimum Rage post! Click here to subscribe!

Let’s say you live in Texas. It’s fine…shhhhh…it’s just a scenario… you don’t actually live in Texas.

(brushing hair back from your eyes)

Thought I lost you for a moment.

You live in Texas and you are found guilty of knocking off a Shoney’s (are they big in Texas? I’ll assume.) but you didn’t commit the crime. Eventually, Walker and the rest of the Rangers figure out you’re innocent. Don’t worry. The whole time behind bars you were making a better salary than people actually going to work.

He and other exonerees in Texas, which leads the nation in freeing the wrongly convicted, soon will become instant millionaires under a new state law that took effect this week. Exonerees will get $80,000 for each year they spent behind bars. The compensation also includes lifetime annuity payments that for most of the wrongly convicted are worth between $40,000 and $50,000 a year — making it by far the nation’s most generous package.

I suggest walking around in a ski-mask and frequenting tobacco shops and banks.

Nice work if you can get it.