Be serious the average monthly salary for Vietnamese today is $150 a month. Back 40 years ago it was probably less than $50 a month. So $500 for a season was equivalent to close to a years income for a few months of work.
Boss could leverage the cost differential for his benefit, but from the labors perspective they were getting paid well.
Paying someone. $15 an hour ain’t going to get you the greatest effort employees… those that do work hard will find higher paying work and move on and you are left with folks who know this is just a job for them with no loyalty from their employee.
Even if you start motivated when you realize your paycheck ain’t getting you above sustenance existence you are going to move on or just do the minimum.
Human nature will not change.
I am serious and I was there so stick it, fella.