As some of you may know, last January I moved to Harrisburg for a job with a local radio program and, unfortunately, that job fell through in the beginning of September. It allowed me to cover politics in the state capitol and get an inside perspective on Pennsylvania state politics.
After I left the program, I made a commitment to continue writing for our blog - The Raging Chicken Press, but to sustain myself, I had to find something to hold me over in the meantime, pay the rent and put food and beer in the fridge.
A couple of days after I was let go, I was fortunate to get a job as a bartender at a local brewery, which has a cult following in the craft beer world. The brewery shares a space with a pizza shop and are owned by the same owner.
Since starting, I've been asked a handful of times why there is no space to leave tips on credit card receipts, and yesterday's story in the New York Times is a good read on this issue.
This may not be the best story to reflect on my personal experiences, but I am fortunate that I found this job to hold me over. I was pretty much hired on the spot because I was a regular at the bar, and my weekends revolve around session days in the capitol because I am looking for a job in the media and communications field.
But when it comes to wages, I am starting out above minimum wage with the prospects of making over $10.10 / hour in another month or so. When customers ask how come they can't tip, they almost seem baffled, but we try to explain to them that that's ok and that they don't have to worry about leaving us a tip.
I prefer having an actual wage, and not rely on tips, to pay my rent, bills, food and have money left over to store away in the bank. At the end of the night, we split the cash tips that we get between 4-8 people that are working the bar and food counter, and with that, I am able to walk away with a pay between $13-$15 an hour, which is good considering the low cost of living in the Harrisburg area.
Given the circumstances, I know that I am fortunate to have found this job days after I was let go, and on an upside, the chemistry between everyone is laid back and friendly.