[proud American in Canada]

“However, if you tip in cash and not via a bank or credit card, the waitress/waiter or server staff can Hide that income better.

I always try to tip in cash.”

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Sounds like you were in the customer service business too. :) I was a waitress, first at IHop, then at a Mexican restaurant in Champaign-Urbana, where I was going to college.

I got promoted to Friday nights; the combination of TGIF and alcohol led to some generous tips; I shared with the busboys but first I took a little, sometimes, for myself. No income to declare; it was hard work, but it was great. :)

I tend to tip very generously as well. Dealing with the public, especially a rowdy public, is hard enough; top that with balancing all kinds of plates and drinks on the tray, and walking around on your feet, well, it’s hard work.

Not sure I could do it again at my age (58).

[TexasGator]

“I shared with the busboys but first I took a little, sometimes, for myself.”

Did you share with the cooks?

[David Chase]

I feel your pain…….I’m 58 also.

No I was never in the restaurant industry.

I know cash is untraceable regarding taxes.

I like to take care of people providing for me.

[higgmeister]

As an Airman with a wife, I augmented my below poverty level income by bagging groceries at the Commissary for tips only.   My Grandfather traveled all over for the United States Bureau of Mines, teaching first aid and safety.   He knew that a good tip starting on the first day can get good service for the whole say.

[oldvirginian]

“I was a waitress, first at IHop, then at a Mexican restaurant in Champaign-Urbana, where I was going to college.”

When we got married my wife was working two jobs. Her day job was keeping vending machines filled at two plants. Her night job was as a waitress at a country restaurant outside of a little town.

When we moved to Richmond,Va, to escape my ex and her pet lawyer, she went to work as a waitress at a 24 hour restaurant called Aunt Sarah’s Pancakes. They had breakfast 24/7.

The Mrs had the get up and go most of the younger people lacked. She was 37 and out working 20 year olds.
Friday and Saturday nights were her big money nights, but not for the obvious reason. When the club’s closed for the night everyone headed to Aunt Sarah’s. Even the gays and drag queens.
She gave the gays and drag queens the same good service she gave everyone else. Soon they were asking for her section. The management ended up giving her a section that was 1/3 of the restaurant because people would rather wait for an opening in her section.
Think what we will of that crowd but they tipped damned good. This was the late 80’s and she would bring home $400-$500 EVERY Friday and Saturday night.
When she quit when we left Richmond the manager said it would take three people to replace her.

I have met few good waitresses in the last few years. But there are some out there.