By Michele 
This story, originally featured in March 2016, is being revisited.
In Colorado, a waitress used the power of social media to shed light on the challenges of working in America’s service industry.
Taylar Cordova found herself at the center of attention when she shared a photograph of a receipt on Facebook, as reported by Mic. The receipt showed a $0 tip left on a bill totaling $187.43. Alongside the image, Cordova penned a heartfelt and articulate message, delving into the realities of being a server.
In her post, Cordova addressed not only the customer who neglected to tip but also anyone who overlooks this customary practice. She eloquently highlighted the repercussions of inadequate gratuity:
“When you decide it’s acceptable to forgo tipping your server, you’re contributing to their financial struggles. It’s not just a small gesture; it’s a significant impact on their livelihood. This lack of consideration translates into essentials our families may have to go without—necessities like food for the week. Even after fulfilling your requests, often at no extra charge, every dollar counts for us.”
She went on to explain the financial reality faced by servers, citing the U.S. Department of Labor, which outlines that employers are only obligated to pay tipped employees as little as $2.13 per hour, as long as tips bring their earnings to at least the federal minimum wage.
Cordova concluded her post with a poignant piece of advice: “If you’re unable to tip, perhaps dining out isn’t financially feasible for you. Opt for a more budget-friendly option, like McDonald’s, rather than putting added strain on those in the service industry.”
Her message struck a chord with readers, resonating widely across social media platforms and garnering over 15,000 shares.