For $8/hr you should expect as much as you get from some Chinese made turbo gear. Not a lot. No matter what you think/say/want/desire, money makes the world go 'round. If you pay someone $8/hr and expect something more than a wasteoid or a 16 year old, then you are being unreasonable. The only way to get decent productivity at a low wage is some sort of incentive. If you can't pay them in dollars, then you have to offer experience. Whether the experience is hanging out in a cool environment or learning something that will help in the future. Why do you think people work for $60k in NYC investment firms while clocking in 90hr weeks? They do it in hopes of a big bonus, but even if they don't get it, they can turn around move to somewhere else in the world with a big name on their resume.
I'm not even bothering with the personal stuff you guys want to dig into. All I know is, every job I've ever left was because I quit or the place shut down. Every job I quit called me back asking me to come back. Every boss I've had complimented me on my work ethic and openly said they wished their other employees were more like me. I know I don't have to settle for a $8/hr job. In 2 years that could change. Right now, I have my relative freedom. I worked at a job I didn't like and saved my money despite wanting to spend it on various things for 2 years so that I could provide myself with options now. I'm going to enjoy the time I've provided myself.
Also, I'd appreciate everyone backing off our friend from Mandrel-Bends. He sponsors the forum, doesn't over solicit his products, and when he posts something industry related, I enjoy reading it. God forbid the guy have a few ideas on how to make his business more profitable. Maybe he should take away that 15% discount we get to make up the difference.