Rethinking Tipping in the Digital Age

The Rich Feeling on Any Budget

The digital age has ushered in a wave of tipping opportunities. It seems like everyone has an opinion on those little prompts on kiosk tablets asking for a few extra bucks. Even the affluent are starting to grumble about the constant requests. The real question is, who deserves our tips?

I see friends pinching pennies at the tip jar while simultaneously splurging on non-essentials. They're playing a game of financial limbo, trying to figure out how low they can go in terms of generosity to strangers.

In my opinion, they’ve forgotten the simple joy of giving. Seriously, try leaving an unreasonably generous tip – like $3 for a $5 drink – and see what happens. It's like a shot of pure, unadulterated happiness. But then again, I'm a self-proclaimed generosity junkie. I love those little moments where I can spread the wealth because it simply makes me feel good.

So, how do I decide when to tip? It's a simple three-step process.

Step 1: The Privilege Check

Before hitting that max-tip option, I take a quick look at the person on the receiving end. Do I have more privilege or resources than them? If so, they'll appreciate those few extra dollars way more than I ever will. This is an important step since those who have limited means should not be expected to tip. It doesn’t make sense to help others before you yourself are living comfortably.

Step 2: The "I Don't Give a Fuck" Level

Many of us have a financial threshold where we just... don't care. For me, it's $10. Anything below that, and I'm happy to part ways with it without much of a second thought. Beyond tipping, I have similar thresholds in my life. With my wife, a purchase under $500 doesn’t warrant discussion given that I trust her judgment and I know she tends to be frugal. With my teenage daughter’s use of my credit card, it’s $10. Below that, it's her business. If she wants to splurge on a cab ride instead of taking the bus, she's gonna need my approval (which is usually a big fat no).

Step 3: The Easy "SURE!"

With my "I don't give a fuck" level in place, any tip below that is an automatic yes. No hesitation, no mental gymnastics. That takes care of most situations unless I’m paying for a fancy dinner.

And there you have it. Three simple steps to guilt-free generosity. It's not just for the rich and famous, either. Even on a budget, you can choose to tip those who have less than you. It's like a mini-Robin Hood moment, leveling the playing field one tip at a time, regardless of where you set your cutoff amount.

I think of every dollar I give as a tiny vote in the grand scheme of things. It's a vote for a more generous economy, a world where everyone has a chance to thrive. A way for the worker to get a boost that doesn’t depend on the discretion of a CEO or HR manager. Plus, there's a hidden bonus. Start leaving those big tips, and watch how the world treats you. You'll become a VIP, with extra care and attention paid to your order which may be well worth more than a few bucks.

It’s never too early in our financial journey to practice occasional generosity, no matter what that may look like. Most people want to be wealthy, and this is an opportunity to experience that feeling even before we may consider ourselves to have the circumstances of actual wealth.

Principal Z

Nadav Zeimer (“Principal Z”) is an award-winning educator, innovative school leader, and passionate advocate for educational equity and foster children. A dedicated family man and philanthropist, he empowers students through hands-on STEAM and social justice initiatives, sharing his expertise as an author and speaker on the future of educational data. #PassionForLearning #AcademicCapital

https://EducationInTheDigitalAge.com/
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