With $10,000 he is more then able to put a couple of big mac meals on the table for his family.
It is a horrible sad fact that the person with the most money, who is able to pay for the most ratings is the one who will most likely get the job, but thats the nature of the beast.
If you can't afford to do it, don't do it, there are plenty of other jobs out there.
When you start stooping to that level, expect retributions further on in your career, if you ever have a career after standing on so many peoples toes.
I would like to drive Formula 1 cars around for a living, but hey, thems the breaks!