I can say the same for myself. Because of my age, I realized that it wasn't worth the trouble to drag myself out of bed for shit money. The pandemic opened my eyes. I don't think I would've made that decision if I were younger. Apparently a lot of younger people have.
I live in a resort area, where the restaurants are all understaffed for the sudden surge of visitors we are having after our state lifted some travel restrictions. There are long lines for restaurants that don't take reservations and zero availability for restaurants that do... BUT most of us (residents anyway) have been tipping double since the eateries opened back up short staffed. Since the regular pay is not that great, hopefully the promise of extra tips to be shared with the cooks and other employees will entice a few more back to work. It's a slow transition. With restaurants only able to have 75% capacity until we have more of the residents vaccinated, it will just take some time - and yes better pay from patrons willing to pay a bit more for a night out!
Overtipping is fun.
I agree. If restaurants paid a living wage as opposed to using the tip excuse, people would probably go back to work. We are in a buyers market and substandard wager payers need to recognize this.
About 10 years ago with my $2.80/hr I was making about $2K/week.
But can you really project this to most prople working in the restraunt industry? Would a person working in a Denny's in Tyler, Tx. or Joe's Diner in Salmon, Idaho be able to make this claim. How about the bus Boys or dishwashers. I have never worked in the food industry, but dated plenty of waitresses.