Waitresses was just an example...there are many "service" people who I could do without, and if I had their tools, that would include those mechanics mentioned too. There are too many people who are either incompetent, or who think that every little thing they do deserves some "big bucks". I personally LIKE to do things for myself...it usually comes out better that way...but that's just me.
Dave_Lilly, If the toughest thing your 4 kids put up with were some rich a$$holes at a country club...well, I'm simply floored that you would consider that "tough". As a kid, I stacked bricks, picked vegetables, dug ditches. Now THAT is hard work. Do your kids even know what hard work is? It wasn't "hard" work to bring a few plates of food and not receive anything for it. Dig a hole for several hours for a few bucks and tell me which is worse. I'm GLAD that they got an education and moved on to success. That's what we're supposed to do. Kids and the people who either can't or won't learn a skill do the crap and the smart ones learn to do other, less physical, higher paying jobs. That's what (I'll bet) 99% of the people here did.
Soundguy, How am I "classing" them? All I said was they shouldn't EXPECT to raise a family doing such "easy", "unskilled" work. I stand by my comment that such work is NOT meant as a sole family income. And they shouldn't expect "us" to pay, what in my opinion, are large sums of money for basically nothing. I stand by my comment that such work is for kids and as second jobs.
How is a waitress a "necessary" job like a waste water handler? I think I struck a nerve and you flew off the handle and are comparing apples to oranges. I can EASILY give my own order, pick it up, and remove the dishes. I do it at fast food places. A waitress is no more than a convenience, an EXPENSIVE convenience.
Now let me expound on my post a bit...I don't ALWAYS leave just a dollar...that was an exaggeration...I'd LIKE to most times, but I don't. I usually leave about 10%, well within your stated 7% that the government assumes. BTW, how many servers do you suppose declare MORE than that required 7%? Not many, if any...so, let's add liar to their job title too?
I was talking about servers who EXPECT $5 no matter the bill. Not for a $50 bill, or a $40 bill, no, they expect $5 for a $20 bill... It's not a matter of my being able to afford it, I can because I don't throw away my money needlessly. And that, IMO, is exactly what you are doing when you give them that kind of money for a tip. Most servers make well over $100 a day/night. Most people who do REAL work don't make that much. Roofers don't make that kind of money. Don't they work harder? I guess I see the difference and make the comparison and "pay" accordingly.
So, in summary, I don't think less of "service people", I just don't believe I should have to overpay for their services because that is ALL they can do. I believe that you get what you're worth, what your "service" earns you, no more. AND, if you want more money for a better life...learn to do something else like fixing tractors.
