I've been a waitress for a little over 10 months now. It's been great, for the most part. I love interacting with genuinely kind people and watching kids' faces light up when I bring out a molten chocolate cake. It's super fast paced but it occupies my mind and makes me feel accomplished at the end of the day. The money isn't bad on the good days, but on the bad days, it's pretty damn awful.
Somehow I'm always able to determine the kind of night I'm going to have by the very first table I wait on that night. If they're fun and upbeat, then my attitude mirrors theirs and I feel at ease for the rest of the night. Those are the shifts when I usually make the most money. When I have to start off with a rude table, I always do my best to grin and bear it. I smile and comply, and wait until the end of my shift so I can call my mom and complain about the assholes who don't understand how chaotic it can be being a server. These are the kinds of people who choose not to tip.
Now I understand money does not grow on trees. I mean come on, I'm a waitress. I know what it's like to have to scrounge for a few extra pennies. I totally understand and respect the hustle and people trying to be frugal with their spendings. However, I have numerous customers a week who will come in an order a $65–$95 meal, and then leave me a tip below 10 percent, or sometimes no tip at all.
I bet you're probably wondering what it is that I'm doing when I serve to earn such terrible tips. The truth is, I am a kick-ass waitress. I'm kind, I'm personable, I'm quick, and I'm genuine. What more could you honestly ask for out of a server? I mean sure sometimes I forget to grab a side of barbecue sauce, but that's a quick-fix and I am always prompt to correct my mistakes at work. I rarely give anyone a reason to not tip me well and yet I still get sat with several stingy misers every freaking week.
People have their own reasons for doing the things they do and I just have to get used to that. Not every table can be a 20 percent table, and I guess that's just life. It's just truly irritating when I do everything I can to make sure that customers experience is a positive one, and then I have nothing to show for it. It makes me feel like I'm not doing a good job. Nothing ruins a shift more than being under-compensated for work well done.
I know I sound like a huge baby. Things could always be worse and I'm lucky to even have a job and be well enough to work and earn my own money. I just implore any and all people who go out to eat regularly, tip your waitresses and tip them well. Remember that most of the time, if there's something wrong with your food, it's not your servers fault. Be patient and understanding and that makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
