Fight Back

Ok. So here’s the thing. I was listening to the radio today during my day at work and the topic of “tipping those who serve you” came up. And I had to reflect on those whom had served me today and I had to ask the question, “who really cares?”

Should I tip everyone that serves me? I was in the wholesaler’s office today. He helped me with my order. He was courteous and good natured (probably because he didn’t want me to reach over the counter and strangle him) but should I have tipped the man for doing his job? And what about the clerk at 7-11? He helped me. Helped me understand that a hot dog and slurpee are cheaper if you buy it in a combo. He even smiled when I gave him the exact change. But deep inside was he resentful that I didn’t dig a little deeper and throw some more denarii his way – just for doing what we all expect 7-11 clerks to do? Oh, and lets not forget about the guy at the gas bar. After spending a fortune of the company’s money to fill my gigantic work van, this guy filled my cup with coffee. Smiled at me and even said “you’re welcome!” (all behind his bullet proof encased cubical that only had enough room for him, a pot of coffee and a dozen bags of stale potato chips. If this guy sneezes he’s got no chance at avoiding the vortex of wind that will rebound off the 2 inch thick glass. And that’s just the glass on his prescription eyewear. But the question needs to be asked. Do I need to tip every freakin’ person who helps me out? Do I get tipped if I go the extra mile and wipe down the counter tops after plunging some guys toilet? I just don’t understand how people have come to expect that people will tip. It’s like people will take jobs in the restaurant business at a lower wage because the tips are great. Well here’s a thought – what if people decided to tip lower or even better – not at all. Would you still be happy with your job? Would you be content that you have done your job, the job people expect you to do when you serve them, and receive nothing in return?

It’s almost every cotton pickin’ place I go into has this little tip jar, karma kup, gratuity bowl or something else that is intended to make you feel pity or shame if you don’t put something in there. Well it’s time to fight back. Its time to say ‘no’ to the pressure of giving in to the thought that we should tip just because it’s the Canadian thing to do. Here’s an idea, if you want a gratuity, do something for it. Don’t expect it. Earn it. And if you don’t receive one, well maybe you should think about that for a minute. At least until the next sucker comes in and sits down at your table. What’s on special today?