‘No tipping’

Dear Editor:

RE: Why do we tip some workers and not others? (July 16).

I absolutely agree with Pete Mohr regarding tipping. It has been a subject of conversation in many of my social circles. 

There is an added “pressure” to tip. Whether you want to or not, you don’t feel like you have a choice and often it makes you feel less of yourself if you don’t!

It brings to mind years ago when I was raising my children. I had quit a very good office job to be a stay-at-home mother. However, once my children were both in school I decided I would drive a school bus (which was a far cry from running an office). My years of driving and engaging with all the students who were under my care was amazing!  I loved those years.

And if I were to choose (I won’t) I could write a book about the beautiful people who rode back and forth each day on the bus with me. At the end of each school year I certainly did not expect little gifts or thank-you cards, although, sometimes I did receive those. 

But to tip me? Why? That would not be acceptable by the company that hired me. They paid me every second week for the hours I drove and that was that. And I fully understood and accepted that. I was truly thankful for my job. It allowed me to have a little income and, frankly, that was good enough for me. 

Oh, I mustn’t forget all those summers off, which were nice – you know, like the teachers (we don’t tip them either by the way).

And here is my bonus so many years late: when I meet former students as young adults working and raising their own children and they still remember me, we laugh together, and sometimes we hug too.

Oh, and in case you are wondering, yes, I did eventually return to my former office job. And again, no tipping allowed there either (smile).

Elizabeth Hughes,
Puslinch