What?

So, as a favor, I picked up a few extra shifts for one of the bussers who went home for the holidays. He didn't have the foresight to make arrangements for his shifts to get covered before leaving town...but, realized that he might not have a job if he didn't find someone to fill in. So literally, at the last minute, he called me begging to cover for him. I had issues with doing the shift for one major reason. In order to do it, I would be working straight, from 7.45 AM to 10 or 11 PM (depending on the closing time). Then the next day, I would have to be back at work again at 7.45 AM. Not something, I was really psyched about doing...especially, since I don't really get paid enough money, to need this gig.

But the shock of all shocks came this evening (night 2 of being a busser)...It turns out, bussers don't make much money. I mean, I knew that they make less then I do as a daytime cashier/barista...but they make tips, so it should balance out. Plus, I figured at the very least they were making $5/hr. Nope...turns out, bussers make approx. $2.50 / hour. WHAT?? When I learned this, I actually yelled out loud, "Are you kidding me?" I had no idea people could possibly paid that little an hour. What with that amount of money, plus after 6 hours of work a $10 tip...well, I made about $3.50 an hour, before taxes. I don't think I was paid that small of an amount at my first job....almost 15 years ago. After learning that valuable bit of info, I turned to my manager and said, "You will have to find someone else to fill in from now on. I don't think I will ever be bussing/serving/hostessing ever again."

And from this point forward, I will be giving the big tips. Because, who can possibly live on that salary?