Why are you in here?

I have a part-time job as a restroom attendant at a local nightclub. They have a DJ Friday and Saturday nights, so there's dancing. It gets busy. The club has contracted with a company (who I work for) that provides attendants for both the men and women restrooms.

We serve a dual purpose: 1) the nightclub needs someone in there to keep the restroom clean, stocked and kept orderly. They also want it policed (no smoking; no drugs; no sex - in other words, nothing fun), and 2) to provide a service for the customers.

Many people appreciate having an attendant there. But many are frustrated and get pissed off, thinking they're obligated to leave a tip when they feel it's not warranted.

Ah, tipping. Yes, folks, that's what it all boils down to. That's why I do what I do. Not for the shift pay they give (works out to barely $10 an hour - so not worth it). But on a good night, I make more than I do at my day job (which, really, doesn't say much, but hey, I like it). It's the perfect part-time job; minutes from home, only two nights a week, and I don't start until 9:30 pm, working til closing, which is between 1:30 & 2:00. Oftentimes, I'm home by 2:00.

When I started a year ago, I was provided with a kit. I was told I was expected to replenish the items in the kit as they got used. This isn't so bad - I get to write it all off on my taxes. But, still, it's coming out of my pocket, and this is the part I don't think most people know.

When one walks into my restroom (hereinafter referred to as my closet), they will see not only a spic n span room with a woman smiling at them, they will also see a plethora of items: candy/mints/gum, lotions and colognes, lip glosses, hairspray/mouse/gel, toothpaste/mouthwash/floss, tampons/pads, aspirin, cough drops, eye drops; pretty much anything you can think of that you might find in your bathroom at home, but couldn't fit in that little evening clutch you're carrying. My list could go on; if I can do it hygienically, I'll have it. If you ask and I don't have it, I will the next night I work. I even have flip-flops for the ladies who wear those ridiculously high high-heels or too-new shoes so their feet are killing them - this way, they can take off their shoes and not have to walk around barefoot.

Now, tipping. I do not expect a tip just for handing someone a paper towel or if they take a stick of gum. I do expect a tip if I provided them a service or if they used any of my stuff. Dollar amount is up to them - the going rate is a buck or two, but I've had women give me fives, tens, even twenties because they were that pleased with either my service or what I had to offer. But I cannot come out and ask for that tip (that would be totally inappropriate). There are two signs in the closet stating "Gratuities gratefully accepted," but it's amazing how many chose not to see that (I've heard of selective hearing, but selective sight? I guess...)

Long first post. I hope this will be a fun place to come check out. There have been some hilarious situations come up in there, and some pretty horrible. I'll try not to get too gross.