My shift at work tonight was one of “those” nights. You know, those nights when few things (if any at all) go well. My first table, a 2-top, was trying to be funny by “giving me a hard time”: by asking stupid questions, trying to stump me on my menu knowledge, and trying to put me on the spot. Normally, I don’t have too big a problem with this if it’s done in a manner that is clearly jovial; but the way they were going about it was not cool. They were trying to be funny and failing miserably. It was not a great way to start the night. I thought my night was going to pick up when I got a five-top, but alas, it was one of “those” tables. Five women, only four of whom at food, and those who did eat chose to only get one course…of appetizers. Awesome. On the bright side, however, the ladies were nice and tipped reasonably well. The one shining moment came from my next table, who ended up tipping almost 30%. Granted, the check wasn’t very big, but it was nice to get a fatty percentage. As my co-worker, 2-Dee, would say, “Good lookin’ out, ladies!” That euphoria was short-lived, however, as I got another one of “those” tables. This time, it was two-top, who, after asking for my suggestions, didn’t go with any of them and proceeded to ordered only one course: one entree for him and one appetizer for her. Again, awesome. The check ended up being a few cents short of $40, and as I was printing it up, I told the bartender that I don’t expect a lot from this table. “Five bucks,” I said. “I’m aiming low, so as to not get my expectations shattered.” Admittedly, this was not the best outlook on the situation, but after serving tables for a while, I’ve come to expect small tips from some customers. It’s horrible, I know, but it’s the reality of the game. So, the table leaves. I open the check presenter, and what greets me there on top of the charge draft? A wrinkled five dollar bill. I smiled to myself, partly because I totally called it, and partly because it sucked to be right in this instance. I’ve been surprised before, and I guess a little part of me was hoping against hope that this couple would pleasantly surprise me with 15%, maybe even 18%. Alas, no such luck. To make matters worse, my tables weren’t getting up in a timely fashion, thereby causing me to give up an 8-top that walked in late. Wonderful. Not only did I get crappy tips, but I didn’t even get a chance to redeem the night with a big table at the end of the shift. *sigh* Oh well. The way I see it, nights like tonight are part of the service industry, at least in Tallahassee. I’m taking solace in the fact that six months from now, I hope to be teaching somewhere and not worrying how much money I’m going to make at work. Here’s to hoping…