Many people believe that jobs in retail and fast food are not real careers and are just temporary positions for teens or seniors. This stigma makes it seem like these jobs are not worth pursuing. Some politicians even use fast food work to show that they are relatable or as a form of punishment. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Picture a scenario where entry-level retail positions become genuine careers with good pay, benefits, and chances for advancement. Imagine receiving job training and certifications that help you earn more money while being supported by your employer. Shouldn’t hard work in any job lead to a decent and comfortable life? While this is not the norm, one woman’s experience shows that it can happen.
Joce, an employee at Costco, has shared her positive story on TikTok, and it has gone viral. She posted a video detailing her salary changes since she started working at Costco. Joce began her job in 2018 earning $14 an hour. Initially, she joked that it was “just a summer job.” However, she has continued working there for over seven years. Thanks to annual pay raises, her hourly wage is set to reach $37.90 by 2025. This amount does not include additional bonuses, benefits, or time-and-a-half pay on Sundays, which would bring her annual earnings to nearly $80,000 if she works full-time.
Her video gained nearly 11 million views, with many viewers expressing surprise at her high pay for a retail job. People who invested heavily in higher education and were struggling with jobs commented on Joce’s earnings. One user humorously noted their master’s degree and felt disheartened, while another shared their reasons for leaving teaching after eight years.
However, Joce’s story goes beyond just her hourly wage. She explained in another video that she earns this amount because she transitioned into the optics department and became a licensed optician. Her base pay is $31.90, with extra pay for her specialized role, particularly on Sundays when she earns $56.85 an hour. Joce emphasized that Costco supported her through the certification process, as she had no prior training. She mentioned that employees get three months to study for their first exam and up to a year to pass the second exam to become fully licensed.
Many people are taught from a young age that attending college for four years and accumulating debt is necessary for a successful career, like becoming an engineer or doctor.
What are your thoughts on Joce’s experience?
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Source: Upworthy, by Evan Porter