This question would have made sense 10-20 years ago.
It's the primary reason we don't need a minimum wage - working in the service industry or any other relatively unskilled work isn't "a career" so it doesn't matter if it only pays 2 bucks an hour, so goes the reasoning because nobody should be expecting to do it for long or make a life out of it.
It's myopic.
Why the f*ck should teachers not be paid enough to support themselves and have a life? Wow.
Wait, you added that part just now.
I don't see why you couldn't drive a taxi for a living (though I don't know if that is all that was meant by "career"), but taking for granted that you will be paid well seems off.
No, I'm still confused. What is the problem with being an elevator operator for life and expecting a good wage?