6:58Why This Millionaire Took A $5.75/Hour McDonald’s Job
From My First Million · Published Jul 4, 2025 · Watch on YouTube
TL;DR
Scott, creator of Meetup, sold his first company for ~$15M (~$30M today), then took a $5.75/hr McDonald’s job to reconnect with “the real world” and escape the bubble of bankers/lawyers. Decades later, after selling Meetup to WeWork for ~$200M, he took a warehouse associate job at Amazon, again seeking to feel in touch with average people and possibly participating in unionization efforts there.
Key insights
- Scott worked at McDonald’s for roughly 3–4 weeks (not six months as the transcript initially speculated), earning $5.75/hr (pre‑tax annual equivalent ~$11,960).
- His stated reasons: to get back in touch with the real world after working only with “bankers, lawyers, internet freaks, corporate wonks” and to experience “a profitable well‑oiled multibillion‑dollar
- He felt taking the job was not disrespectful; it gave him deep respect for people who “bust their butt for such low pay.” Working a six‑hour shift and earning ~$30 for the day was an eye‑opener.
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