I admit, my finances are really tight right now, so I get annoyed a bit easier than normal when yet another person is asking for money. But I was in the Charlotte airport yesterday and there was an attendant in the bathroom asking for tips. It’s not like I was at a fancy restaurant and using the complimentary toiletries and perfume. It’s the freaking airport! I can wave my own hand in front of the sensor for my towel, thank you very much. Am I the only one who gets annoyed by this stuff?
Jodi
No, I’m a cheap bastard as well and I do get annoyed. I don’t think I’ve ever tipped any attendant in the bathroom. It’s not like I need help wiping my ass so why would I need help washing my hands? Tipping at restaurants I have no problem with because that is standard.
Tipping at restaurants is a no-brainer. I think that is the worst job and someone has to really screw up not to get 20% from me. But it’s the other stuff that bothers me. Places where tipping isn’t standard and people still expect it. I think I’m turning into a crotchety old lady since turning 30!
Jodi
You are not wrong on this, in my opinion. In fact, I would resent the hell out of someone being in the bathroom in the first place. The last thing I want is someone just hanging around waiting for me to finish my business so that they can hit me up for some cash. I would be tempted to leave visible shit on my hand, reach into my pocket, and tip them without wasing.
Bernie
I’ve been a crotchety old man since I was about 26 or so. The thing that I hate the most paying for is parking. I’ll walk 10 blocks for a free parking spot versus $10 for a spot that is a block away. I was at a party last night and the host paid for an open bar with a bartender. I usually don’t tip these guys either. They are already getting paid a decent wage and tips are just extra. I may drop a buck or two in at first but that’s it.
I walked 5 miles home from my oral boards (in my dress clothes) this week to save the $15 cab fare. In defense, it was only supposed to be 3 miles, but I lost my sidewalk and had to walk entirely around LAX. Now that’s cheap…
Jodi
Was the weather nice at least?
It was like 50 and grey. Can’t complain. I was more worried about the neighborhood. For awhile I was walking on dirt next to a very busy road with no businesses around. I definitely was starting to see the stupidity of my ways when it started getting dark…
Jodi
I walked 5 miles … In defense, it was only supposed to be 3 miles, but I lost my sidewalk and had to walk entirely around LAX. Now that’s cheap…
You do know that your iPhone has google maps which will give you step by step instructions?
It took me on the road that goes under the freeway and has no sidewalk. It was even the walking instructions! So I had to improvise…
Jodi
Well, at least it is better than Cleveland.
Tipping at restaurants is a no-brainer. I think that is the worst job and someone has to really screw up not to get 20% from me.
I know we have gone over the whole tipping thing before. At restaurants I start at 20% and work my way up or down depending on the service that is provided. Same thing with getting haircuts and that sort of thing.
Bathroom attendants, not so much.
Bernie
The thing that I hate the most paying for is parking. I’ll walk 10 blocks for a free parking spot versus $10 for a spot that is a block away. I was at a party last night and the host paid for an open bar with a bartender. I usually don’t tip these guys either. They are already getting paid a decent wage and tips are just extra. I may drop a buck or two in at first but that’s it.
I am with you about paying for parking. The rare times I go to Detroit though, I will pay out the nose for good parking. I want my car in a well-lit and guarded lot and I’m willing to pay for it. Also, I want to make sure that I know where the lot is so that I can get to it and our of it and back on the freeway easily.
I drink mostly soda and water when I am at parties and weddings. I don’t typically feel inclined to tip the guy to fill a glass with ice and press the correct button on the soda fountain.
Bernie
I would be tempted to leave visible shit on my hand, reach into my pocket, and tip them without wasing.
Now that’s getting your money’s worth! You should fill up some Depends, and let them know that there’s a $20 available for some clean-up…
Waiters are one thing, but some dude standing around the bathroom hoping for tips is irritating- I’ve never tipped one.
Another one I wonder about are the folks all over the street corners here in San Antonio trying to sell newspapers- I wonder if anyone ever buys one? Seems like a fruitless way to make a buck.
Tipping at restaurants is a no-brainer. I think that is the worst job…
You really think that waiting tables is worse than standing around in the can, grabbing towels and turning on faucets for people who are kind of irritated by your presence, and then hoping for a buck or two from them for your trouble?
I think I’m turning into a crotchety old lady since turning 30!
Welcome to my world, dear… Just wait - your body is going to start falling apart soon. It’s all downhill from here!
Muahahahahahaha!
PS - my new goal as a crotchety old dude is that I want to snarl like Clint. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7X2_V60YK8
****Another one I wonder about are the folks all over the street corners here in San Antonio trying to sell newspapers- I wonder if anyone ever buys one? Seems like a fruitless way to make a buck.
I’d totally buy one if he yelled: “Extra! Extra! Real all about it!”
You really think that waiting tables is worse than standing around in the can, grabbing towels and turning on faucets for people who are kind of irritated by your presence, and then hoping for a buck or two from them for your trouble?
Thing is, they’re not a necessary part of the transaction/experience, like the waiter is to dining out. Someone hanging out in the bathroom creeps me out.
And yeah, the 30’s ARE rough- I was invincible, then at 31 I broke an ankle and just got over an ass-kicking bacterial infection. DAMN!
I wonder if the airport know they are asking for tips?
I never tips at places like starbucks etc…not even the 3 cents I get back from my purchases.
If it’s a fancy restaurant or club then I give a buck in the bathroom…if I have one, but would prefer they aren’t there at all. Frequently I’ll go into the the bathroom not expecting to have to tip and not having any cash on me. I just apologize for not having any cash. If I go back I’ll make sure I have a buck with me.
I would agree with you on the tipping, just dumb. I also think it is dumb for starbucks counter to have a tip jar for a cup of coffee. I do remember being relatively poor in med school and having to spend a ridiculous amount of money to travel to interviews and just sick of waiting on planes. BTW, good luck on your interviews. I can tell you that Vandy is the bomb (ie one of the best and not b/c I trained there!) and Maricopa is no slaker. Phoenix is a great tri town and Nashville has many pluses. Good Luck!
You are not wrong on this, in my opinion. In fact, I would resent the hell out of someone being in the bathroom in the first place. The last thing I want is someone just hanging around waiting for me to finish my business so that they can hit me up for some cash. I would be tempted to leave visible shit on my hand, reach into my pocket, and tip them without wasing.
Bernie
It would be totally kickass if you happened to have a Hershey’s Kiss on you. While you were still in the stall, you could melt it in the palm of your hand. Get a big smear of it on your dollar and the attendant’s hand, then, acting surprised to see it on your hand, lick it off.