During a recent chat with a friend, she encouraged me to take some time for myself and suggested treating myself to my favorite caffeinated drink at a local café. So, I decided to heed her advice. However, as I waited in line, a sense of guilt washed over me. Since the start of the pandemic, I have been quite cautious with my spending, and this felt like an unnecessary luxury. I couldn’t shake the discomfort of knowing that $5 for a latte might seem frivolous to those facing tougher times. I know it’s just coffee, but that’s how I tend to think.
Then, I thought about how I could pass on my friend’s kindness. I considered covering the order of the person behind me, but I quickly reassured myself that they were likely in line because they could afford a fancy coffee. Instead, I realized that the real recipient of my generosity should be the barista who took my order.
As someone who provides services, I recognize that not all service workers are on the front lines. The food servers, baristas, grocery clerks, delivery drivers, and many others have shown tremendous dedication throughout this pandemic, keeping businesses afloat and allowing us access to both necessities and indulgences. Though they do this for their pay—which is often insufficient—they deserve our gratitude and generous tips. They should be treated with respect, not as if they’re less than the customers they serve.
Many service employees rely heavily on tips to make ends meet, especially in a country where only seven states require tipped workers to receive minimum wage prior to tips. The barista at the café seemed surprised and appreciative when I added a tip to the nearly empty jar. I recognized that while I can’t solve all of his financial challenges, I can certainly contribute more to the people who work hard to enhance our lives with little luxuries.
I wasn’t seeking recognition for my act of kindness; rather, I wanted to show appreciation for those who often go unnoticed. Since the pandemic began, many people are tipping less, and some are not tipping at all. This is especially disheartening for individuals in the food service and hospitality sectors.
Let’s not forget about Uber and Lyft drivers, as well as food delivery personnel; they also deserve generous tips—especially in inclement weather. Remember to tip your hairdresser, manicurist, lawn care provider, housekeeper, or nanny appropriately as well.
If you’re unsure about how much to tip, aim for at least 15-20%. A simple trick for calculating a 20% tip is to move the decimal point in the pre-tax total one place to the left and double that amount. For example, if your pre-tax total is $47.25, move the decimal to get $4.725. Doubling that makes it about $9.4, which you can round up to a $10 tip. If you can afford a meal, you can certainly afford a decent tip for those serving you.
As vaccination rates rise and life returns to a semblance of normalcy, it’s crucial to thank those who have consistently shown up to work, even when many of us had the luxury of staying home. We often depend on others to bring us what we need while asking them to risk their health — a reality not to be taken lightly. So, whether you’re picking up takeout or going through a drive-thru, don’t forget to tip.
Show your appreciation for the hard work of service providers, and do it with cash.
If you’re interested in more insights, be sure to check out this post on home insemination. For further information on fertility, this resource is excellent.
For those planning a diaper party, consider visiting this authority on the subject.
Summary:
In a recent reflection, the author discusses the importance of showing appreciation for service workers, particularly during the ongoing pandemic. While contemplating a personal treat, she decides that extending kindness through generous tipping to baristas and other service providers is a more meaningful way to contribute. The article emphasizes the need to recognize and respect those who have worked hard to keep services running during challenging times. It encourages readers to tip fairly and generously, reminding them of the significant role service workers play in our daily lives.