A Costco employee named Natalie (@natnatt21) sparked a serious debate online after revealing in a viral TikTok video that she earns nearly $30 an hour for a job that includes "drawing smiley faces on receipts."
As any seasoned Costco shopper knows, this charming doodle on the receipt is a signature Costco tradition.
In the popular video, Natalie is seen dancing with a colleague in a Costco outlet, with the caption playfully reading: "When you make $29.50 an hour just to draw smiley faces on receipts."
She further notes in the caption: "And it’s union... gotta love Costco."
The clip of course captured the attention of millions, racking up over 23,000 responses. TikTokers flooded the comments section to share their reaction to Natalie's impressive pay rate for, apparently, drawing smiley faces.
While some users praised Costco for its excellent treatment of employees, others, particularly those earning less, were left feeling disgruntled.
One wrote: "I need a job there", while another added: "I can't wait to get there, I'm at [$]22.00."
Another even suggested that longer-serving staff could make even higher pay for the same job, writing: "Definitely Sunday pay for a rookie. 40-45 an hour for a topped out employee."
Another joked: "cries in US military," while one added: "So you're telling me I should quit my job at a very well known hospital and work at Costco."
TikToker @lilyleia championed Natalie, criticizing those who took umbrage to her pay and the apparent simplicity of her role.
"What's crazy to me is this happens so often, where people in certain fields think that they should be making way more money than people working 'easier jobs' like retail or food service or whatever. They always b**ch about how these people should be making less instead of how they should be making more," @lilyleia retorted.
She further added, "If you think it's unfair, that you and this person make the same pay, maybe you should be upset with your employer, instead of another working-class person."
Famously, minimum wages vary across states with the federal minimum wage standing at $7.25 per hour, as reported by Paycom. The highest minimum wage is currently in the state of Washington D.C., where workers are entitled to $17 per hour.
The ensuing debate revealed a divide among those struggling with student loans and debts who found it frustrating that someone in a seemingly 'easier job' could earn comparable, if not higher, wages. However, @lilyleia's argument suggests the focus should be on pushing for higher wages across the board rather than shaming individuals for their earnings.
Indeed, as one commenter pointed out, "The whole 'easy job' thing p***es me off. People struggle and 'easy' things and tasks can be extremely difficult." Most agreed that no one should be undermined for earning a decent income, and everyone deserves to be paid fairly for their work.
