My first job was as a waiter at a retirement home. I was 14 years old and waited on 90-100 year-olds for the dinner hour after my school day was over. I earned $4.25 an hour and no tips. There was no tipping since it was an all-inclusive retirement community. But I did gain a “tip” that has lasted me all these years later – the experience of being a waiter.
Later on, I worked as a legitimate waiter ($2.15/hr plus tips!) at a Chinese restaurant in Cincinnati, Ohio (The Grand Oriental) as a night job after being an entertainer at the King’s Island theme park by day. I was saving up for seminary. And yes, lots of people asked me why I was a waiter at a Chinese restaurant (I was the only Caucasian on the floor). Hey, I love learning about different cultures!
What I learned in those two jobs was the experience of being a servant to others. And some people in this world are very picky, demanding, and rude – and a server has to respond with a smile.
So I have always tried to remember those experiences whenever Sarah and I go out to eat. I think there should be an ordinance that requires everyone to serve as a waiter at some point in their lives. If we all did, then people would probably tip better, treat servers with respect, and understand when the server forgets that extra straw or takes a minute too long processing your credit card.
So I hope this video brightens your day. It did for Sarah and I last night as we watched it. These guys decided to tip some servers $200 and catch it all on film. Enjoy!
