Waitress Loses Her Well-Tipping Table After Absolutely Insisting She Needs To Do Her Makeup For 15 Minutes
Interview With Author
If you ever thought that business is a dog-eat-dog deal, there are a number of professions that do much of the same by making employees compete against each other for a higher salary.
Sure, it motivates employees to do their best and directly rewards them for their actions, all the while also rewarding things like backstabbing and [insert any other literary sneaky corporate stealing word here].
But sometimes you don’t have to be sneaky or anything. All you have to be is maliciously compliant and follow orders as letting someone else screw themselves over works better as they can’t blame you!
Cue this little story right here where a waiter simply followed their coworker’s suggestion of switching sections at their restaurant—only because she insisted on doing her makeup there and then—which bit her on the rear as she missed out on a good tipper.
More Info: Reddit
Being late to work isn’t the end of the world, but it can still cause a problem or two. Or more. It depends
Image credits: Revol Web (not the actual photo)
A few years back, Redditor u/iamjayjayisme used to be a waiter at a restaurant in Jersey. As is to be expected, patronage depends heavily on the season, and this time around, it was the slow one. And less patrons meant bigger competition among servers as to who gets what table and this determined their tips.
Moreover, OP has a work ethic whereby they come to work early so as to properly prepare for their shift and start, already prepared, on the clock. But not everyone has the same work ethic, as is evident from OP’s coworker Kayla.
One chronically late employee ended up on the receiving end of a problem when they passed up on an opportunity to wait for a well-tipping table
Image credits: iamjayjayisme
Kayla would also start work “on the clock”, but hers was a different interpretation of it. While OP started ready at, say 5 o’clock, Kayla would walk in the door at 5 o’clock. Then she proceeded to prepare for her job for about 15 minutes. Namely, she worked on her makeup—something that OP considered a task best done at home.
Now, so far, it all seems fine and dandy from the employer’s point of view. According to the US Department Of Labor, commuting on one’s own isn’t considered work time, unless it’s a business trip or the company chooses to compensate for it as a bonus.
As for whether preparation for work is considered a part of the job, it’s one of those it depends sort of answers. Business and Corporate Law Attorney Roy H. Gordon, Esq., MBA explains in his article that if it’s a necessary task, regardless of difficulty, it should be compensated. But, if it’s something that takes less than 10 minutes, let alone has a questionable impact on the benefits for the employer, then it might not be compensated.
While technically the employee was never really late for work, she would spend 15 minutes of work time doing her makeup, which in turn delayed her work
Image credits: iamjayjayisme
Image credits: Harry Metcalfe (not the actual photo)
Anywho, a lot of Kayla’s coworkers found issue with that, but nothing was really done about it, so all that was left for them was to just accept and live with it. But, then an interesting situation happened.
One day, all was as it always was. Kayla came in “on time” and darted towards the bathroom to put her face on. OP was asked by the host where she was, to which they replied “in the bathroom”; “oh, she has people waiting already, gonna need to talk to her.” They went to talk, and at the end of that back-and-forth between the host and Kayla, OP overheard “Just switch my section I’ll take the next one, I don’t care.”
Well, one time, when work couldn’t wait, the employee still decided to avoid it by suggesting their section be taken on by someone else, only to later learn it was a table of 14—big tippers
Image credits: iamjayjayisme
The host returned, told OP they were in charge of Kayla’s tables now, and invited them to go set it up. Why set it up, you say? Turns out, the two people standing next to the host—the people who Kayla was supposed to already have greeted and sat down—were actually early and would be a part of a party of 14. What is more, it was the party of Mr. Moneybags (obviously, not a real name, but both OP and I share the sentiment that it’d be cool if it was real), a local celebrity of sorts who had made a fortune in landscaping and real estate. And just a nice guy.
So, they set up the table, the rest of the party arrived, handshakes, kind words, it was a lovely time for everyone for the next 2 hours. Except Kayla. It was at this point that she realized just how colossal her goof-up was. And she actually made another mistake—she checked the tip afterwards, only to be greeted with another oof moment.
And she actually made another mistake—she checked the tip afterwards, only to be greeted with another oof moment
Image credits: NanshyOfficial (not the actual photo)
“She actually left the restaurant about a week after the story for unrelated reasons, so I’m not sure she learned her lesson. But she certainly realized she made a mistake that day,” added OP in our interview. “The other coworkers were also tired of her, so they found [this situation] amusing. She actually avoided [me] the rest of the shift. Didn’t make eye contact with me or anything.”
OP is an aspiring writer now, and has gotten into the habit of writing every day. Some of it can be found on Reddit, where they remember moments from their life in various subreddits that are mostly very supportive. Incidentally, the folks on r/MaliciousCompliance responded to it with over 3,700 upvotes (97% positive).
In response, some folks shared stories, or better or worse patrons. And even more people jumped in on the discussion about when work truly starts and when it truly ends, how much management was supposed to have already dealt with this, the whole pay a decent wage thing, among others.
“Actually, from a lot of the comments I saw, people were sharing their opinions on tipping culture in the US. I’ve always heard some people saying that they never tip and that if a server wants a better income they should get a better job. I’ve always wanted to tell people who believe that and if they really do believe that, then they should tell their server that at the beginning of their meal. That way the server will know that they can do the bare minimum and so those people see what your tip is actually for your server to be attentive to you,” concluded OP.
You can read the post and all of the comments in context here. Or if you want more malicious compliance stories, you can check this one, this one, and this one out.
But before you do that, do share your thoughts and opinions about anything and everything that you feel has to be put out there on the topic in the comment section below!
I don't understand how anyone is team Kayla in this. If makeup is a part of the uniform she should arrive with it on. Just like how you can't clock in wearing pajamas and then change into your uniform. If it's not part of the uniform, then it is theft of company time. If she isn't able to do it at home then she should arrive early to apply before clocking in.
Yes, and it appears that the people making these comments were completely missing the point. The woman screwed herself out of a huge tip because of her laziness. And this is literally the first I have ever heard that applying makeup should be on company time, and I am 58 years old. The only case where that would make any sense would be for people working in television or the theater, where applying makeup is a lengthy and specialized process that requires special lighting.
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I don't know, but I feel that's rude to your co-workers who have to pick up the slack YOU are causing by being late. Once or twice, I think is understandable, but daily? No way. But then you have management not doing anything about it. She probably thought it wasn't a big deal since they allowed it. Problem is that many people who behave this way usually are very charming and can get away with so much!..LOL
That part is so real. "People who behave this way usually are very charming and can get away with so much!" We all know a someone or someoness this way. It's aggravating and unhelpful. The commentors on her side must suck just as well, because no, that is not appropriate.
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either get your a*s ready at home, or learn to live without makeup. It's that simple. I don't understand how people are on Kayla's side here. What if no one else was ready to wait on the table because it wasn't supposed to be on their rotation? Furthermore, why should anyone be expected to pick up the slack just for her to doll her face up? ugh.
Some comments said that makeup girl was right for using company time to look good at work. It's not. I had a coworker who constantly was in the mirror applying an earful red lipstick all day. Customers came to the register and she would be doing that as I rang them up. She never looked to see what they were buying and missed some good commissions by being self centered. And you get ready FOR work and show up TO work. Not show up and get ready. That's stealing company time. Regardless if it's a restaurant or an office job or a cashier spot.
Inam antiwork, but I'm also consequently anti lazy bums who foist their jobs on me to eff off. So while I fully condone people doing work to rule and wasting company time now and then, people like that do it at cost of their colleagues and I detest that. The people asking for OP to show 'compassion' are most likely also foisting off their work onto others just like that colleague who constantly pushes the work of her first 15 minutes on her colleagues by never being available. It obviously doesn't hurt the restaurant or they'd already put a stop to it, but it does annoy her colleagues and most likely because they have to pick up the slack. Go on and drop everything at the strike of the clock, that's fine, only come in when agreed to and not a minute earlier, that's also just fine, take all your PTO, all your breaks, all your sick days, all just tickety boo, but don't slack off on the job and let your colleagues pick up the slack. That's an AH move.
Tips shouldn't be necessary for anyone's income but as the word says a tip, an extra. American tipping culture is out of control, seriously
In addition, what’s out of control is not paying employees a living wage. If Congress finally does something about that, *then* we can adjust how we tip. Until then, not tipping punishes only the server. If their boss has to make up for lack of tips out of their own pocket, that server won’t be staying employed.
Load More Replies... Had a woman in my office who would come in right at starting time, drop her coat and lunch bag and head out to the mall and get her morning coffee.
This is MY opinion regarding this situation: Kayla needs to get her priorities straight. Wearing makeup is NOT part of her uniform as a server. You can apply your make-up with skilled precision but, if your service sucks, the color of your eye shadow isn't going to gain you an unwarranted tip. Furthermore, applying makeup is something that is done at home, just as taking a shower or styling your hair. Once you hit the timeclock you are on company time and your company pays you to perform duties related to your specific job assignment. If you don't have time to those things at home, you have two options - set your alarm clock 15-minutes earlier or don't wear makeup that day. If she worked for me, she would get one warning. After that she would be terminated for not not following company protocol, as well as repetative lack of time management and abuse of company time. Everyone, staff, management, and the company owners are ALL better off with Kayla out of the picture.
Lots of entitled people commenting on this. "If makeup is required, then the boss should pay for the time it takes!" How about, "If it's required that I show up bathed and in clean clothes, then boss should be paying for my water bill and laundry soap! They should also pay for my shampoo and conditioner since I'm showering to go to work. I also need a hair dryer and a brush. Oh, and they should be paying for the makeup they want me to wear, too!" Where does the entitlement end?
How the Hell are there so many people saying it's totally fine for Kayla to get paid for 15 minutes she isn't working? If all the staff did the same, they'd be sacked! The entitlement of some people ffs (and before anyone says it, yes, I too am a Millennial). Sorry but if you won't do the job you were hired for, give it to someone who actually gives a s**t about keeping it.
I’m a millennial, too, and I completely agree. Unless you’re a performing server in a flamboyant costume at a Vegas night club, nope, that’s all on your own time and money.
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I'm stunned that so many people are on Kayla's side. Seriously? What on earth have parents been teaching their kids, that it's okay to spend personal time during work hours? This is NOT okay - not in anybody's world! Waitressing means being ready to serve tables when the place opens. It doesn't mean you walk into the washroom and start putting on your makeup and coming out when you feel ready to start work. I'm just flabbergasted at these people - and very worried for how society is behaving these days. I guess I'm just an olde farte who considers other people before myself - silly me.
Ewh, hating so hard on the comments thinking Kayla doing her makeup in the restroom is totally fine cuz, "screw corporate". Sorry NOT sorry, but the type of person who has the audacity to behave this way are so not the sort of person to be well aware of others and their predicaments. I'm judging hard but we all know what I'm talking about. These type slack off in every which way and make it harder for everyone else. She is really about herself and this is nothing about using company time "efficiently" as according to the rip off that is min. wage.
Basically, if you're supposed to start your shift at 5:00 and don't get out onto the floor until 5:15, YOU'RE LATE. Why do so many people have a problem understanding this? Someone has to pick up that 15 minute slack.
Ok, if "the makeup is required she should totally do it on the job"... then should she arrive naked and dress on the clock? Should she arrive dirty and sweaty and shower on the clock? Should she sleep on the clock, so she's rested later while serving tables? WTF is this people talking about???
Women get tipped more when they wear makeup and look pretty. Men don't have that added strain. That's a factor in this entire argument that OP - who I suspect is a man from several of their comments - isn't commenting on. Part of Kayla's income depends on looking good in that work uniform, in the lighting of that restaurant. Doing her makeup at work /SHOULD/ be part of her paid day as far as I'm concerned. That said, she shouldn't have put strain on her coworkers. They could have worked together.
True, but then she could've come to work 15min earlier.
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Lol, no, that's not how it works. You're expected to be in uniform when you show up. I guess you want to be paid to shower and brush your teeth to?
Load More Replies... I don't understand how anyone is team Kayla in this. If makeup is a part of the uniform she should arrive with it on. Just like how you can't clock in wearing pajamas and then change into your uniform. If it's not part of the uniform, then it is theft of company time. If she isn't able to do it at home then she should arrive early to apply before clocking in.
Yes, and it appears that the people making these comments were completely missing the point. The woman screwed herself out of a huge tip because of her laziness. And this is literally the first I have ever heard that applying makeup should be on company time, and I am 58 years old. The only case where that would make any sense would be for people working in television or the theater, where applying makeup is a lengthy and specialized process that requires special lighting.
Load More Replies... I don't know, but I feel that's rude to your co-workers who have to pick up the slack YOU are causing by being late. Once or twice, I think is understandable, but daily? No way. But then you have management not doing anything about it. She probably thought it wasn't a big deal since they allowed it. Problem is that many people who behave this way usually are very charming and can get away with so much!..LOL
That part is so real. "People who behave this way usually are very charming and can get away with so much!" We all know a someone or someoness this way. It's aggravating and unhelpful. The commentors on her side must suck just as well, because no, that is not appropriate.
Load More Replies... either get your a*s ready at home, or learn to live without makeup. It's that simple. I don't understand how people are on Kayla's side here. What if no one else was ready to wait on the table because it wasn't supposed to be on their rotation? Furthermore, why should anyone be expected to pick up the slack just for her to doll her face up? ugh.
Some comments said that makeup girl was right for using company time to look good at work. It's not. I had a coworker who constantly was in the mirror applying an earful red lipstick all day. Customers came to the register and she would be doing that as I rang them up. She never looked to see what they were buying and missed some good commissions by being self centered. And you get ready FOR work and show up TO work. Not show up and get ready. That's stealing company time. Regardless if it's a restaurant or an office job or a cashier spot.
Inam antiwork, but I'm also consequently anti lazy bums who foist their jobs on me to eff off. So while I fully condone people doing work to rule and wasting company time now and then, people like that do it at cost of their colleagues and I detest that. The people asking for OP to show 'compassion' are most likely also foisting off their work onto others just like that colleague who constantly pushes the work of her first 15 minutes on her colleagues by never being available. It obviously doesn't hurt the restaurant or they'd already put a stop to it, but it does annoy her colleagues and most likely because they have to pick up the slack. Go on and drop everything at the strike of the clock, that's fine, only come in when agreed to and not a minute earlier, that's also just fine, take all your PTO, all your breaks, all your sick days, all just tickety boo, but don't slack off on the job and let your colleagues pick up the slack. That's an AH move.
Tips shouldn't be necessary for anyone's income but as the word says a tip, an extra. American tipping culture is out of control, seriously
In addition, what’s out of control is not paying employees a living wage. If Congress finally does something about that, *then* we can adjust how we tip. Until then, not tipping punishes only the server. If their boss has to make up for lack of tips out of their own pocket, that server won’t be staying employed.
Load More Replies... Had a woman in my office who would come in right at starting time, drop her coat and lunch bag and head out to the mall and get her morning coffee.
This is MY opinion regarding this situation: Kayla needs to get her priorities straight. Wearing makeup is NOT part of her uniform as a server. You can apply your make-up with skilled precision but, if your service sucks, the color of your eye shadow isn't going to gain you an unwarranted tip. Furthermore, applying makeup is something that is done at home, just as taking a shower or styling your hair. Once you hit the timeclock you are on company time and your company pays you to perform duties related to your specific job assignment. If you don't have time to those things at home, you have two options - set your alarm clock 15-minutes earlier or don't wear makeup that day. If she worked for me, she would get one warning. After that she would be terminated for not not following company protocol, as well as repetative lack of time management and abuse of company time. Everyone, staff, management, and the company owners are ALL better off with Kayla out of the picture.
Lots of entitled people commenting on this. "If makeup is required, then the boss should pay for the time it takes!" How about, "If it's required that I show up bathed and in clean clothes, then boss should be paying for my water bill and laundry soap! They should also pay for my shampoo and conditioner since I'm showering to go to work. I also need a hair dryer and a brush. Oh, and they should be paying for the makeup they want me to wear, too!" Where does the entitlement end?
How the Hell are there so many people saying it's totally fine for Kayla to get paid for 15 minutes she isn't working? If all the staff did the same, they'd be sacked! The entitlement of some people ffs (and before anyone says it, yes, I too am a Millennial). Sorry but if you won't do the job you were hired for, give it to someone who actually gives a s**t about keeping it.
I’m a millennial, too, and I completely agree. Unless you’re a performing server in a flamboyant costume at a Vegas night club, nope, that’s all on your own time and money.
Load More Replies... I'm stunned that so many people are on Kayla's side. Seriously? What on earth have parents been teaching their kids, that it's okay to spend personal time during work hours? This is NOT okay - not in anybody's world! Waitressing means being ready to serve tables when the place opens. It doesn't mean you walk into the washroom and start putting on your makeup and coming out when you feel ready to start work. I'm just flabbergasted at these people - and very worried for how society is behaving these days. I guess I'm just an olde farte who considers other people before myself - silly me.
Ewh, hating so hard on the comments thinking Kayla doing her makeup in the restroom is totally fine cuz, "screw corporate". Sorry NOT sorry, but the type of person who has the audacity to behave this way are so not the sort of person to be well aware of others and their predicaments. I'm judging hard but we all know what I'm talking about. These type slack off in every which way and make it harder for everyone else. She is really about herself and this is nothing about using company time "efficiently" as according to the rip off that is min. wage.
Basically, if you're supposed to start your shift at 5:00 and don't get out onto the floor until 5:15, YOU'RE LATE. Why do so many people have a problem understanding this? Someone has to pick up that 15 minute slack.
Ok, if "the makeup is required she should totally do it on the job"... then should she arrive naked and dress on the clock? Should she arrive dirty and sweaty and shower on the clock? Should she sleep on the clock, so she's rested later while serving tables? WTF is this people talking about???
Women get tipped more when they wear makeup and look pretty. Men don't have that added strain. That's a factor in this entire argument that OP - who I suspect is a man from several of their comments - isn't commenting on. Part of Kayla's income depends on looking good in that work uniform, in the lighting of that restaurant. Doing her makeup at work /SHOULD/ be part of her paid day as far as I'm concerned. That said, she shouldn't have put strain on her coworkers. They could have worked together.
True, but then she could've come to work 15min earlier.
Load More Replies... Lol, no, that's not how it works. You're expected to be in uniform when you show up. I guess you want to be paid to shower and brush your teeth to?
Load More Replies...
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