One morning this summer I was at the exceptional Marriott Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama for a couple days as part of our family summer vacation.
This hotel has complimentary coffee from 6am - 8am in the main house lobby. Like on any vacation, it's hard for me to sleep past 6am. I woke up, got my morning workout completed, and headed over to the main house lobby for a cup of coffee. As I left with my cup of coffee and one for my wife, I left a $5 bill on the counter for the 2 young women who were cleaning, making additional coffee, and telling everyone around them 'Good Morning' with smiles on their faces. They looked at me with big smiles and enthusiastically said 'Thank You'!
What is this story about? Do I want you to think I am a good tipper? I am a good tipper, although not extravagant. What I want you to understand is that I'm a good tipper for almost purely selfish reasons. The emotional payback I get from leaving a tip is immeasurable. That $5 did not mean that much to me, and yet for a moment seemed to mean the world to those two young ladies for a job probably not paying much more than minimum wage. On this particular day, it was the best money I spent. It carried me through the rest of my day.
Stop and think of all the people you come across everyday whose tip income may be the difference between surviving and living or the difference you may be making for their children.
I'm grateful every day for the life I have and have worked for. I'm blessed beyond belief. Giving back, making someone's day, even if it’s a small gesture or tip makes my day a little brighter. I encourage you to give back. The emotional payback you will get is all the reward you will need.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.