Compulsory or the other way?

I wasn't familiar with the word "tipping" till I got my very first job after high school, I was among those students who were very eager to finish high school so they could be able to work before furthering their education in a higher institution, "university." Fortunately, the long-awaited period came, and I was done with my final exams. The next thing was to look for a job; I don't like teaching jobs, so I didn't even bother applying for any when my classmates were busy applying.

So, on this faithful day, my big sister came home and told me about a job opening she saw and would love for me to apply for since the location was closer to my house. So I applied and luckily got employed the same day. "How funny these eatery jobs were," and was to fully resume the following day, I got home with all excitement and broad smile on my face. No one asked me anything because my smile was telling the whole story.

My first work day came, and I was already prepared and "didn't want to go late." When I got to the eatery that morning, customers had started calling and were placing others for food. "You didn't ask me about my job description." My job description was to attend to customers when they walked into the door. "Professional, right?" ooh well, thank you.

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A customer walked in and I was being all smiley and speaking like I wasn't raised in Nigeria (because my boss said I should be super friendly with customers) I didn't want to fail on that aspect, so I had to put on my A game, I took the customer's orders and asked the kitchen to prepare it, after a while the kitchen called that the order was ready, I went to the kitchen, got the package and gave it to the customer with my teeth all out, so the customer paid with some cash when I counted it, I noticed the money was more than what he ordered when he said "keep the extra" I was shocked at that moment, I asked the others "is this how you people do here?".

So I got my first tip on the first day of work because the customer was pleased and satisfied with the service that was being rendered that day, "Maybe with my forced smile."

The word "tipping" is an act of kindness that comes in the form of giving some money to someone who has rendered a pleasing and satisfying service, I've never witnessed anyone give money to someone who isn't respectful and not deserving of tipping, it always goes to the people who have taken their job to another level thereby being extremely kind to customers, treating the customer with some respect.

Tipping isn't compulsory, it is optional. It's often something people do to encourage others for their good services rendered, but then I've also witnessed some sales reps seeking tipping from customers, which I think isn't right. Those from my part of the world would understand better because of how little these waiters and waitresses earn in my nation, their monthly pay isn't up to $20. Imagine someone earning that small in this current economic condition of my nation.

A lot of them live off through these tippings, and it's been settling their bills. In as much as these tips help workers, it isn't compulsory, it's a kind gesture performed by a customer willingly.

Thanks for reading