3 answers
chandler
Student
Sarah, Mississippi
1
Question
Updated
417 views
if I worked at McDonald's how long do you think it would take to get to one million dollars.
and do you think a human being can survive off of working at McDonald's for the rest of their lives. if they couldn't what difficulties would they face?
Login to comment
3 answers
Cherilyn Garner
Medical Office Practice Manager; Certified Medical Assistant (
53
Answers
Polkton, North Carolina
Updated
Cherilyn’s Answer
I agree with Olivia — if someone worked only at McDonald’s earning an hourly wage, it would take a very long time to reach one million dollars. It’s not impossible, but it’s not something most people would realistically hit without promotions, saving extremely carefully, or having other sources of income. Some people move up into management or corporate roles, and that can increase their earnings over time.
As for living off a McDonald’s job long‑term, some people do it, but it can definitely be difficult. The pay is usually on the lower side, and the work can be physically demanding. The biggest challenges someone might run into include:
paying rent and other basic living expenses
covering healthcare costs
saving for emergencies or retirement
supporting a family on one income
having limited financial flexibility
However, if someone moved into higher‑paying roles — shift manager, general manager, or even owning a franchise — then the income potential becomes much higher. Franchise owners especially have the chance to earn significantly more, depending on the location and business success.
So it really depends on the path someone takes. Staying at entry level would make it hard to ever reach a million dollars, but moving up in the company or owning a franchise can completely change the picture.
As for living off a McDonald’s job long‑term, some people do it, but it can definitely be difficult. The pay is usually on the lower side, and the work can be physically demanding. The biggest challenges someone might run into include:
paying rent and other basic living expenses
covering healthcare costs
saving for emergencies or retirement
supporting a family on one income
having limited financial flexibility
However, if someone moved into higher‑paying roles — shift manager, general manager, or even owning a franchise — then the income potential becomes much higher. Franchise owners especially have the chance to earn significantly more, depending on the location and business success.
So it really depends on the path someone takes. Staying at entry level would make it hard to ever reach a million dollars, but moving up in the company or owning a franchise can completely change the picture.
Olivia Alford
I am a Strategic Initiatives Manager. My job is related to strategic planning and am a Project Manager.
61
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Hi Chandler,
I believe that if someone worked only at McDonald’s, earning an hourly wage, it would take a very long time to reach one million dollars, and for most people, it would not realistically happen without being promoted, saving very carefully, or having other income. Many people can survive working at McDonald’s, but it can be difficult long-term because pay is often really low and the work can be physically demanding. Some other challenges could include paying rent and other household costs, healthcare costs, and saving for the future, especially without moving into higher-paying roles or management. Maybe if you owned a franchise, that could lead to a million dollars.
I believe that if someone worked only at McDonald’s, earning an hourly wage, it would take a very long time to reach one million dollars, and for most people, it would not realistically happen without being promoted, saving very carefully, or having other income. Many people can survive working at McDonald’s, but it can be difficult long-term because pay is often really low and the work can be physically demanding. Some other challenges could include paying rent and other household costs, healthcare costs, and saving for the future, especially without moving into higher-paying roles or management. Maybe if you owned a franchise, that could lead to a million dollars.
George Katsinis - AFC®
Personal Financial Counselor
68
Answers
Salem, Oregon
Updated
George’s Answer
Three main factors influence how your investments grow:
1. How much you invest: More is better.
2. Where you invest: Look for the best growth with low risk.
3. Time: Start as soon as possible and keep adding regularly.
Consider making "Roth" contributions after taxes. You'll pay more taxes now, but all your investment growth will be tax-free in retirement.
It's simple: Your income minus your expenses equals the money you can invest.
I once knew a high school custodian who earned about $12 an hour. Despite his low income, he was on track to become a millionaire. He lived simply in a small town, rode his bike to work, and kept his expenses low. By age 40, he had over $300k in investments. If he kept going, he's likely a multi-millionaire by now.
Read about "compounding of interest"
Read about "The Rule of 72"
1. How much you invest: More is better.
2. Where you invest: Look for the best growth with low risk.
3. Time: Start as soon as possible and keep adding regularly.
Consider making "Roth" contributions after taxes. You'll pay more taxes now, but all your investment growth will be tax-free in retirement.
It's simple: Your income minus your expenses equals the money you can invest.
I once knew a high school custodian who earned about $12 an hour. Despite his low income, he was on track to become a millionaire. He lived simply in a small town, rode his bike to work, and kept his expenses low. By age 40, he had over $300k in investments. If he kept going, he's likely a multi-millionaire by now.
George recommends the following next steps: