If you’re considering a career in the restaurant industry, particularly as a waiter or waitress, there are a few things you should know. While it can be a rewarding job, it does come with its fair share of challenges.
One of the biggest difficulties you may face is dealing with difficult customers. It’s not uncommon to encounter impatience and disrespect from some guests. Additionally, being on your feet all day can be physically demanding, causing tiredness and soreness.
But perhaps the most significant issue that servers face is the low pay. In the United States, restaurant owners are allowed to pay their workers less than the federal minimum wage, as these employees are expected to receive tips.
In fact, in 21 states, servers are only paid $2.13 an hour before tips. This wage is considerably lower than what most workers receive. Shockingly, nearly 15% of the nation’s 2.4 million waiters and waitresses live in poverty, compared to about 7% of all workers. This situation makes them more reliant on public assistance and less likely to have access to benefits such as paid sick leave or health insurance.
Tipping is an integral part of a server’s income. Unfortunately, there are customers who are so rude that they choose not to tip or provide only a minimal amount. This was the case for waitress Taylar Cordova, who was so upset that she decided to share her bill online to shed light on the disrespectful treatment of these workers.
Taylar received no tip on a bill totaling $187.43. A standard tip of 15% would have given her $28.11. Her post gained considerable attention, with more than 12,000 shares. In her caption, Taylar expressed her frustration and the financial struggle she faces to provide for her family.
It’s important to understand the impact of not tipping. Servers typically earn a base pay of $2-5 per hour, depending on the employer. So, when you choose not to tip, regardless of the service quality, you are essentially making it harder for these workers to make ends meet. Imagine having to support yourself and your family on that meager pay.
Fortunately, there is hope for improvement in the situation. Several states, including New York, have already increased or eliminated the lower tipped minimum wage, and more states are in the process of doing the same. These changes are crucial because the restaurant industry employs a significant portion of the U.S. workforce, with an estimated 12.9 million people expected to work in restaurants by the end of this year, accounting for 10% of the entire workforce.
In conclusion, working as a waiter or waitress in the restaurant industry can be challenging, especially when it comes to dealing with difficult customers, physical demands, and low pay. It’s important to be aware of the impact of tipping and the financial struggles faced by these hardworking individuals. By supporting and advocating for fair wages, we can help improve the livelihoods of servers across the country.
Please share this article with your family and friends to raise awareness about the challenges faced by restaurant workers and the importance of fair compensation.
