This in California- Min wage is 15 an hour. We have $0.51 per gallon tax on gas. If you work almost full time you will pay at least $30 a week for social security alone, $20 a week federal tax, $7.50 per week for medicare, and $6.50 for State Disability tax. So in a paycheck of say 500 you will only actually get around 429. You will absolutely not be allowed to get overtime even if you have a great work ethic and want to put in extra hours you can't. You have to either sign on to a second job and work 60 hours a week or under 40. Working an extra 10 a week isn't a practicle option. Then you will pay %8 tax on any hot food or anything you buy. And %10 tax on any hotel rooms if you dare take a vacation, and rent will be about half your income. Before you pay your vehicle registration, the healthcare you're required to buy, and car insurance you're required to buy. No one wants to work above the table if they don't absolutely have to.