Class is in Session

In life there are certain things that everyone learns if you have graduated High School in the United States. You learn your multiplication, how to read, and how to write.  You also learn how to drive in drivers ed.  Once you have received your license, in order to renew your license you must retake your driving test.  I feel that the "drivers ed concept" should be applied to a new field of study, "proper restaurant etiquette".  I have worked with people for about eight years now, I have reached a point where nothing really surprises me anymore.  However, it would be nice if people understood what it is like working in retail or in the service industry, ESPECIALLY the service industry.  For my restaurant ed, you would have to complete your hours in training that are signed off by some one "certified".  In order to complete your hours you must work to pay your bills(if you do not have any at the time "imaginary bills" would be provided) by serving in a restaurant.  You must know what it is like to have to keep a smiling face while people take their bad moods out on you, tip you terribly, and cater to others needs constantly.  I think sometimes people forget that our title is server not servant.  I also wonder if people realize that servers make $4.25-$4.50 an hour in almost all cases.  Most people say well you make a ton of money in tips so that makes up for your low wages, wrong.  My pay check depends on how much I have to claim vs. how many hours I have worked.  It is never consistent  because of how much money they take out of your check for taxes.  Even if you were to get your full $4.25 an hour, if you worked 40 hours that week your paycheck would still only be $170.  That doesn't even cover my car payment, let alone my rent, credit card bills, phone bills, electric bills, etc. I have to claim ALL of my credit card tips.  On top of the "paycheck issue", I have to keep a smiling face at all times... my bills depend on it.  If I bring any of my personal life/issues into work with me and take it out on my customers or even seem the slightest bit cranky to a customer you risk not only being complained about to management but also losing your potential tip.  Sometimes it can be very difficult not to snap back at a rude customer.  Patience is key.  If you are kind to your server 8-9 times out of 10 you will receive better service and have a better experience.  We don't come to your work and bitch at you and make your life hell, so why would you think it is okay to do it to us?  Now as far as tipping goes, most people consider a good tip to be 15%.  15% was an acceptable tip in the 90's and early 00', however, the cost of living is up, prices are up, and everything costs money now.  Servers do not receive bonus checks or a raise.  What your hourly rate is, is what it is.  There is no changing it.  Some places may give you a few cents here and there depending on how long you have been there, but typically there is such a high overturn rate that most places don't even offer the opportunity for a raise unless you are promoted.  Keeping all of this in mind I feel that if you received proper service you should tip 18-20%.  You have to remember your server is busting their ass to aid to your needs plus the needs of everyone else in their section.  Lastly, do not speak to your server/bartender like they are an idiot.  Just because I am in the service industry does not make me an idiot.  I don't treat you like an uneducated moron, the same treatment is expected.  All of these things would be learned while taking restaurant ed, which is why it should become apart of schools criteria, along with frequent "refresher" courses.  Class is dismissed.