Florida

My first job as a teenager was working as a dishwasher at the local Howard Johnson's restaurant. $1.25/hour -- when the minimum wage was $1.60 hour. Don't know how they got away with that, but they did. I aspired to move up and become a busboy, since they didn't have to deal with the harsh dishwashing chemicals ungloved and the steamy dishwashing machine. And made better money.

The experience did motivate me to seek a more rewarding line of work, but also made me appreciate those who work behind restaurant counters.