How is this fair?

So, I have three business degrees, twenty seven years of customer service and management experience. And I move to a new place to aid my 96 year old grandfather. This was a one way trip. Im 45.

Currently making a mere 17.40 an hour.

Enter 21 year old “mike” and mike started a month before me. Mikes only prior work was at a fast food place he bragged about pulling a no call no show on.

He was confused about some taxes on his check, and asked me to explain. Thats when I discovered he makes 26 dollars an hour. Doing the exact same job as me.

Im trying really hard not to be upset or hurt by this, but it’s kind of soul crushing and quitting before finding other work is out of the question.

Just how is that remotely fair?