So the other day I got take out from a local diner, The Dining Car (featured on Food Networks Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives) and after I paid the bill, I asked the cashier to give a few bucks to the waitress who took my order and bagged it.
This raised an interesting thought to me, “Are you a tipper or non-tipper when you get take out from your local restaurant?”
What does this have to do with anything? One of my sources of income is from Real Estate (I am licensed in PA and hold my license at Long and Foster Real Estate) and a common complaint from realtors is how they do all this work for a seller or buyer and never get paid because the seller/buyer calls another realtor or does it all themselves after their education session.
Are we right to say someone should be compensated for their work regardless of how much time it takes? Do you judge tips based on the time it takes to do something or the time given to you?
Let’s look at some other professions:
- Attorneys – last time I checked if you asked an attorney to draft you up a letter to be used for whatever reason, he/she will be asking for a retainer or check for their time. I know I have been billed for even 15min phone calls.
- Doctors – When you go to the doctor’s for that same yearly cold which you always get xyz antibiotic, you still paying your co-pay or out of pocket (in case you are one of many who are uninsured)
- Mechanic – Oil changes. We know they only take a few minutes but if you told them “this is a freebie right?” they just might look at you as if you have two heads.
So if you answered “no” to my original question, I would be safe to assume you are not in a commission based income situation. What makes it cool to not compensate someone for a service they provided you?
I live my life as if I am in more than just my own shoes. As they say to listen more instead of always talking, I do the same and imagine being in someone else’s shoes. When times are tough, others have it worse. When you feel like you are on top of the world and unstoppable, I think of those who have achieved far more. Adds perspective to life and keeps you grounded.
