The ladder is usually, and in this instance, the things that working give you such as on the job training and building up a personal reputation as a dependable

The ladder is usually, and in this instance, the things that working give you such as on the job training and building up a personal reputation as a dependable employee. It gives you exposure to company processes and gets your mind working on how to improve them here or at the next gig. Sitting on your ass because minimum wage cuts you off from opportunities and your only option is going on the dole gives you none of that.