Working as a waiter or waitress in the restaurant industry can be a demanding job, especially for those between the ages of 45 and 65. While it may seem like a glamorous profession from the outside, there are certain difficulties that come with the position. Dealing with tough and impatient customers, along with the physical strain of being on your feet all day, can take a toll on anyone.
However, perhaps the biggest challenge faced by restaurant servers is the low pay. In the United States, these employees are expected to rely on tips, which allows restaurant owners to pay them less than the federal minimum wage. In fact, in 21 states, servers are paid as little as $2.13 an hour before tips. This often leads to financial struggles, with nearly 15% of waiters and waitresses living in poverty, compared to about 7% of all workers. These employees are also more likely to require public assistance and are less likely to have access to paid sick leave or health benefits.
To make matters worse, there are instances where customers are not only rudely dismissive but also refuse to leave a proper tip. Take the case of Taylar Cordova, a waitress who experienced this firsthand. After serving a customer with a bill totaling $187.43, she received no tip. This was especially disheartening considering a standard 15% tip would have given her $28.11. In frustration, she decided to share the bill online to raise awareness of the disrespectful way servers are treated. The post quickly gained traction, being shared more than 12,000 times.
In her post, Cordova expressed her frustration and shed light on the consequences of not tipping: the financial strain and deprivation that servers and their families experience. She emphasized that servers are typically paid a base rate of $2-5 per hour, depending on the employer. So, when customers choose not to tip, it directly impacts the server’s ability to feed and support their family. Cordova urged people to consider the impact of their actions and to always tip, even if the service wasn’t perfect. A 10% tip, while not ideal, is still a better alternative to no tip at all.
On a positive note, there are signs of change on the horizon for servers. Seven states, including New York, have already increased or eliminated the lower tipped minimum wage, and seven more are in the process of implementing similar changes. This shift is crucial because, according to the National Restaurant Association, the restaurant industry is expected to employ 12.9 million people by the end of this year, representing approximately 10% of the U.S. workforce.
Let’s spread awareness about the challenges faced by restaurant servers and the importance of tipping by sharing this article with your family and friends. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who work tirelessly to make our dining experiences enjoyable.
