The next afternoon, he walked out to meet the young percussionists
as they banged their way down the street. Stopping them, he said, “You
kids are a lot of fun. I like to see you express your exuberance like
that. In fact, I used to do the same thing when I was your age. Will
you do me a favor? I’ll give you each a dollar if you’ll promise to
come around every day and do your thing.”

The kids were elated and continued to do a bang-up job on the trashcans.

After a few days, the old-timer greeted the kids again, but this time
he had a sad smile on his face. “This recession’s really putting a big
dent in my income,” he told them. “From now on, I’ll only be able to
pay you 50 cents to beat on the cans.”

The noisemakers were obviously displeased, but they accepted his offer and continued
their afternoon ruckus. A few days later, the wily retiree approached them again as they drummed their way down the street.

“Look,” he said, “I haven’t received my Social Security check
yet, so I’m not going to be able to give you more than 25 cents. Will
that be okay?”

“A freakin’ quarter?” the drum leader exclaimed. “If you think
we’re going to waste our time, beating these cans around for a quarter,
you’re nuts! No way, dude. We quit!” And the old man enjoyed peace and
serenity for the rest of his days.

Source: Comedy Central