June 07, 2005

tips

Usually, I am a generous tip-giver in a restaurant or bar. I know how hard the waitresses and bartenders work, and I also know that they depend on tip money for their living, because they aren't being paid shit by the hour. If they treat ME right, I treat THEM right.

But I've also given what I call "insult tips" when I thought the person deserved it. If I have a snarling, PMSing, rude, inattentive asshole waiting on me, I might leave a quarter tip on a $100 tab. I didn't STIFF them, but I damn sure let them know what I thought of their behavior.

A tip is a REWARD for a job well done. If the job is poorly done, I don't believe in tipping big just because it's the polite thing to do.

I read this post and thought about a couple of things. I've seen some tightwad shits that don't believe in tipping at ALL, no matter how good the service is, and I think they need to be dragged off and shot. Skinflints. My daughter got a good dose of those people when she worked as a waitress. She still cusses them today.

But what really impressed me was the fact that the waitress in the post was WORKING HER WAY THROUGH COLLEGE!!! That's almost unheard-of today. Man--- if you can't get some kind of grant, a steady handout from your parents or a student loan, you just can't go to college (in some people's mind).

I call bullshit. I held a job all the way through college and so did every one of my friends. We ALL worked, at least part-time, and still managed to fit school into the mix. I flipped burgers, hung sheetrock and cut grass for a landscaping business during the week and then played guitar in bars on the weekends.

I did that while maintaning a full-time schedule in college and usually making the Dean's List, too. I didn't see anything special about it, because almost everybody I knew was doing the same thing.

But people aren't expected to work anymore--- let alone work and go to school at the same time. Bill Clinton harped that theme through two terms as President: GOVERNMENT should pay for your education, not you. (Of course, that came naturally to Clinton because the bastard never had a REAL job in his life.)

I am delighted to see that we still have a spark of ambition and some solid work ethic alive in this country. You don't see it often anymore, and you should appreciate it when you do.

Comments

Probably why we have so many of what my grandpa called "educated fools".

I was on active duty when I got my first dgree. Worked regular duty hours and went to school at night and weekends when I could. Took years and I was 35 years old before I got it but by god its mine now. After I retired my wife wanted to go back to school and I had never used my Vietnam era GI Bill. With retirement pay and the GI bill we had enough to struggle through with just a part time job a piece. That was during the early 1980's and school wasn't near as expensive as it is now.

Posted by: GUYK on June 7, 2005 07:10 PM

I wanted to mention my son here on this post. i became very very sick and unable to work. My 16yr old went out and got a job to support the family. He is a Junior in high school and is doing ok for grades he was never one to really do that good in school. So working in a resturaunt and moving from a busboy to a line cook didn't effect his school at all. Most people tell me how lucky I am to have a son who steps up to the plate to help the family. I think about that and I am grateful that I do have a wonderful son. Yet I then think that is what family is for. He is the man of the house he is learning the hard way about responsiblity. Am i being a bad parent do I expect to much from him? In today's society I think i am i've made him "growup" before his time. I have a great kid, no drugs, no smoking, no sleeping around, 16 and taking care of the family. I know he will be a wonderful loving man and one that I am very proud of. I just wanted to share.

Posted by: Trish on June 7, 2005 09:14 PM

I worked full time while attending university full time, paid my own way through...no grants, no loans, no help from my folks...and still managed to graduate on the Dean's List

Had no social life during my 4 years, but I've been making up for that ever since :)

Posted by: Tina on June 7, 2005 10:06 PM

Congrats Tina, you have paid some dues and its time to enjoy the show.

Very few today understand the meaning of delayed gratification let alone personal sacrifice to meet a goal. Hell, most do not have the slightest idea how to set a goal let alone a plan to get there. I applaud you Tina.

Posted by: GUYK on June 7, 2005 10:10 PM

Is there any truth to the stereotype that blacks tip much less than whites?

Posted by: rightisright on June 7, 2005 11:00 PM

RIR-- in my experience (and that of my daughter) the stereotype is true. AS A RULE, blacks don't tip worth a shit.

Posted by: Acidman on June 8, 2005 10:22 AM

I started working at 17, 30 hrs a week, but this girl put me to shame. She was a very articulate, very attractive, brown-skinned young lady. She didn't resent the work, and I didn't resent the extra tip. Even left her a note, "Wish there were more like you..."

Posted by: Key on June 8, 2005 03:26 PM

Acidman, back in your day you could pay for college by working over the summer. College is much more expensive these days.

Even state college.

Posted by: ErikZ on June 9, 2005 04:48 AM

Well, thats so true gutrumbles!! Me, am working through college also with a job at a restaurant supporting me and I do a good job always, trying my best to be nice and polite after a hard days work....and most of the time, i dont expect people to tip me well, but atleast give me a smile....damn some idiots!!

Posted by: RancidSpeak on June 10, 2005 09:58 AM

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June 07, 2005

tips