Today at lunch Sarah and I were having a conversation about tipping waiters. She, like me, is an English Major and naturally Math is not our strong suit. She said that she normally only tips 10% because it’s really the only thing she can successfully calculate in her head. This made me lose it. No seriously, I taught percentages today. That’s how much this bothers me.
Math is terrible. Sorry to the fans, but no part of me wants to pursue much of anything that requires more than basic addition and subtraction. While I’m no advocate, every person who wishes to dine in a restaurant should know how to do percentages. Why you may ask? Because 10% is a really crappy tip, especially if you work in a place like I do where two people can eat for $30. $3? Seriously? Do you realize that I make $2.13 an hour to paste that smile on my face and pretend like I care what you order? Believe it or not, I’m not here because I want to be. I’m here because in order to obtain my degree I’m going to have to shell out some serious money.
If you’re like my friend Sarah who just doesn’t get it then I understand, but you still need to do something about it. If you really cannot wrap your mind around calculating it mentally, then take out your phone (because everyone has it) and multiply your check by .whatever percent you want to leave us.
Finally, if you tip based off your check, then I as a server/waiter reserve the right to not serve you. It really isn’t my fault if you’re trying to stay healthy so you come in to eat a cracker and a side salad. I give you the same service as someone who orders filet mignon and bottles of wine.
My suggestion to the public: Be nice to your servers. We’ve been stiffed countless times, recieved horrible tips and had to alter our ENTIRE menu to fit your desires. The least you could do is help us out a little.
Any person who has ever worked in a restaurant where your pay is based off tips understands where I’m coming from. Check and make sure you’re not one of those people.
Yes this is long, and yes it’s ranting. I love you Sarah.. I’m not mad at you. I’m just trying to make a point.
