AITA for telling my dad "Either you pay me a proper wage or I'll quit"?
In the heart of a family legacy, a young cook steps into the flames of a restaurant destined to be his own.
While his siblings carve paths far from the kitchen, he embraces the relentless grind and passion that fuels the business, transforming it with creativity and grit.
Every dish, every system, every late night is a testament to his devotion, turning a family dream into a thriving reality. Amidst the chaos of a world in crisis, he doesn't just keep the restaurant alive—he ignites it.
Tripling the clientele, pioneering new ways to connect, and carrying every role from chef to accountant, he stands as the unseen force behind the success.
This is more than a job; it’s a battle fought with love, sweat, and an unbreakable commitment to his family’s future.
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The original poster (OP) is deeply invested in the family restaurant, having significantly improved its performance through hard work and innovation, yet they are severely undercompensated, earning wages comparable to entry-level staff despite working 60+ hours a week.
The central conflict arises from the OP's justifiable demand for fair pay versus the father's evasive or dismissive responses, leading the OP to threaten to leave and potentially jeopardize the succession plan.
Given the OP's documented success in tripling revenue and assuming massive responsibility, was the ultimatum to seek double pay elsewhere a reasonable defense of their professional worth, or did it unfairly pressure the family dynamic?
Should the father prioritize immediate cash flow by fairly compensating the heir apparent, or is the OP's expectation of higher wages pr****ure while the business succession is still technically unresolved?
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