Reply #314: Two Thumbs Up

[laundry_queen]

As a teen I worked in a restaurant as a busgirl and occasional waitress. Usually it was the largest tables and the most difficult customers who were the worst tippers. There are nice people out there - one time I was the only one who showed up for work the same weekend there was a local ball tournament and I had to do the whole restaurant myself. I was 14. Obviously people had to wait a bit longer than usual for their orders but most felt so sorry for me, so I did very well in tips that day. So while their service wasn't that good, they could see the pickle I was in (most asked, 'are you the only one here???' when I said yes, the other waitresses didn't show up, they felt really bad for me and told me I was doing really good considering the circumstances. There ARE nice, understanding people out there) and were very generous.

Right now I'm a single mom to 4 kids, going to school full time. Money is tight and I rarely go out but when I do, I'm a 20% 'er. Luckily where I live they still have to pay wait staff minimum wage and the minimum wage here is much higher than in the U.S. so hopefully none are starving, but I like to tip generously anyhow. It's a shit job.