Customary & Appreciated

In a recent e-mail to a friend, describing the premise of my blog, I explained that I've chosen to write about the service industry because I thought, after many years working within various contexts relevant, I'd have much to say. It has been tricky. I have not wanted to waste anyone's time bitching about lousy customers or poor tips. I've been striving to write about my thoughts in general, while still relating such musings to the industry.

I've done a fair job, I think, of avoiding the whining-waitress cliché for nearly three months. This post however, is about tipping.

My day began at six this morning after a indulgent four hours of sleep. I am a cyclic-insomniac. For weeks at a time I may operate with virtually no REM to sustain me because my waking hours are spent dreamily enough. I love to daydream. A pastime I believe must somehow compensate for my lack of "nightdreaming." Alternately, I experience sustained periods in which ten hours a night does not seem to suffice, but I think that this is because once taunted, I want more... sleep that is.

After spending fourteen hours at school, a few of them quite pleasurably, within myself I found not an iota of energy, or desire to bus it home. Lazy me, I opted to spend the extra nine dollars on a cab.

Upon paying my fare I asked for a specific amount of change in return, believing that I had left enough for a tip. As my driver counted coins I realized that I had performed some seriously poor math; inadvertently suggesting an intention to tip a paltry eighty-five cents. Now, I understand that not everyone considers tipping their cabbie, but as a server I think that if my delivery of a drink deserves a buck or two, the individual I've entrusted my wellbeing on the road with deserves at least the same. I corrected myself, and tipped the man.

I share with you this anecdote because I desire to demonstrate that there are times when the absence of a tip is an honest oversight.

And there are times when it is not. This video is eight minutes long, but watch it. Please. I was astounded. Oh, be forewarned: video contains partial nudity. '?' Yes, nudity. And not the sort that will leave you pining for more.

This woman is for real. And her sister is a waitress? Familial issues anyone? Possibly? No. I think just an utter lack of respect for her fellow human beings, and herself.

Although some may argue that her waiter did not react in the most professional manner, I must admit that I too have called customers out on not tipping. I have not ever chased anyone to the curb in order to complain, but I have, with my particular panache, been politely confrontational. I once had a "gentleman" who, after reassuring me that everything (including the service) was excellent, proceeded to justify his $4 tip on a $130 tab by explaining: "Well, that's just what I felt like tipping." To which I sweetly responded: "Well, I guess I know how I'll feel like serving you the next time I see you." Professional? Maybe not, but I never saw him again. And I'm not sorry.

Attempting to reason that a server "knows" what they've "gotten into" by accepting a waitressing position is simply unreasonable. Assuming you've not yet mastered the art of alchemy, cash needs to be made, right? Bills and all that fun stuff, which rides on the back of what it is to be self-aware. Ironic humans. We are interesting creatures, but creatures possessive of a survival instinct nonetheless. Sometimes you do what needs to be done in order to survive, and sometimes that involves taking what is available, when it is available. I work service because it is most conducive to my lifestyle. I am attending school because I am interested in self-betterment, because I love literature, and because well... I want to. My schedule is hectic and not easily adaptable to many other professions. Service is flexible. Does that mean that I don't deserve to be tipped? Because this is what I've chosen?

I'm dying to know what my readers think of this woman's rant. Please send me your comments.