I work at a restaurant in a very rich town where I also live.
I was getting my hair done at a ‘chic’ salon when I saw one of my regulars from the restaurant sitting in the first chair.
Me: “Hello Mrs. [name]. Nice to see you.”
Customer: “Oh damn, aren’t you the waitress from the place down the road?”
Me: “Yes I am. How are you doing today?”
Customer: “I didn’t know people like you were allowed in a place like this.”
Me: “Excuse me?”
At this point, my stylist comes to take me to her station.
Customer: * to the stylist * “Honey, did you know this girl is a waitress? Are you sure she has enough money to pay? Maybe you want to check before you start serving her.”
Stylist: “Ma’am, [My name] has been a client here for two years. She is very reliable.”
Customer: “Oh my God. What a waste of money. Poor girls like you shouldn’t waste their money on things like that. Don’t you have a child to look after or something like that?”
At this point, everyone in the salon is quite uncomfortable and is staring at the three of us.
Me: “I’m so sorry, Ms. [name]. Actually, I only work at the restaurant because I don’t like to spend my time unproductive. You see, I’m a college student at [very prestigious college]. I am currently studying to be a biomedical engineer, which I’ll have you know is the second top-grossing career currently. And since you seem to care so much, I’m quite financially comfortable! And even though I was a poor waitress, as you so kindly suggested, people are free to do whatever they like with the money they work so hard for! Your husband comes twice a week for coffee, sits at our counter, and complains about you! So really, Mrs. [Name], I’m very, very sorry for you.”
