General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: So I was at Panera Bread today with a friend. They had one of the credit card machines that [View all]a la izquierda
(11,802 posts)No one is checking on you every 10 seconds. They're not dropping your bill with the "oh-so-subtle" hint to hurry up and leave. Dining is a leisurely affair.
Also, a I do not expect people to have to fake happiness and cheerfulness, when they're having a crappy day, just so they get enough money to make rent and eat. Something about that is toxic and weird. I waited tables while I was in college and for a bit after. It was horrendous.
And yet, I'm actually considering leaving my job in the States; it might mean having to wait tables or bartend for awhile. And I'm completely ok with that (at least if I have to do it in Frankfurt or Rotterdam).
As for Mexico, I feel mostly the same as I do about Europe, except that tips are more commonly expected than 10 or 15 years ago. When I'm in Mexico, 15% is standard for me (and pretty much everyone else it seems).