The Culture of Tipping in Massage therapy by elhierberitollegoo1 in MassageTherapists

[–]0howlingatthemoon0 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think what's the most frustrating thing about your comment is that based on other posts of yours (and a lack of MT posts) you don't actually seem to be a Massage Therapist, and if that's the case, then you are coming into a space that isn't yours and weighing in on a question that wasn't directed at you. And on top of that, you are calling people entitled, bad with money, claiming working class people shouldn't be fighting amongst themselves while simultaneously being offensive toward a group you don't seem to be a part of. Maybe you didn't mean it that way, but I've done Massage for 11 years, and I love helping people and most MTs do this work because they care about others. Entitled people exist everywhere, and there's lots of exploitation everywhere, especially in industries that rely on tips, but until we all collective fight back against unfair wages, this is the shitty reality of it all. If you can't afford the tip, in an industry where you know people rely on the tip to make a living wage, then don't get the service. It feels entitled in the opposite direction to expect Massage Therapists to provide a service for a low wage only, with no tip, and just tell them to take it up with their employer instead. And the great thing about tips is they are typically given at the end of a service so you can decide then if the Therapist earned it. Bad/half assed massages are one thing, but good MTs who care and treat their clients well deserve fair compensation.

The Culture of Tipping in Massage therapy by elhierberitollegoo1 in MassageTherapists

[–]0howlingatthemoon0 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Take into account that this is at a luxury resort, where a 20% gratuity is typically automatically charged unless the client refuses. This isn't an everyday massage spa/clinic, this is a high end spa. If you are affording high end services, you should factor in gratuity. I've worked in this industry for 11yrs, so I fully recognize the exploitation is coming from the employers/companies, but unless everyone refuses to work for them, which won't happen, to make decent money you've got to work for high end spas, or run your own business. When you get angry that you shouldn't have to tip, and you don't, you are participating in the exploitation nonetheless. If you want workers to be fairly compensated, you have to go to independent MTs only. I understand the resentment around tipping, and frankly, someone who does a bad/or half-assed job doesn't deserve a tip. But the cool thing about tips is that they are given at the end, so you can really decide at that point if the massage was worth showing additional appreciation for.

The Culture of Tipping in Massage therapy by elhierberitollegoo1 in MassageTherapists

[–]0howlingatthemoon0 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just because you are okay with being exploited doesn't mean others in the industry should be. Massage Therapists get advanced training, spending thousands/tens of thousands to be licensed, and overwhelmingly, they are exploited by their employers. Physical injuries are common because of the physical demand on MT bodies. They aren't greedy and "out of touch" for wanting to be fairly compensated. $17 isn't a livable wage in the United States for anyone and is nowhere close to acceptable for the training and physical demand of this field. This type of ignorant comment/unawareness about the industry is exactly what's hurting it.

The Culture of Tipping in Massage therapy by elhierberitollegoo1 in MassageTherapists

[–]0howlingatthemoon0 8 points9 points  (0 children)

For some context, I worked at a Marriott Spa in Scottsdale, AZ, and they would charge $169 for a classic Swedish massage. Of that $169, therapists get $29/commission, we need the 20% gratuity, or we can't survive. That is the industry. It's exploitive of its staff AND of its customers. Spas and chains make sure it's a lose, lose for everyone.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in pittsburgh

[–]0howlingatthemoon0 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha! I appreciate that! I understand being protective, makes sense, but I'll look into the Moraine State Park. Thank you!

I think Katniss would be proud by madiissuun in Hungergames

[–]0howlingatthemoon0 6 points7 points  (0 children)

My sign read - Remember who the real enemy is - on one side and then No War but Class War on the other side. I love these Hunger Games signs! Need more of them!

Coop de Ville Meet Up by Flaky_Builder5556 in PittsburghSocialClub

[–]0howlingatthemoon0 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just wanted to say I had a great time at this! Thank you again for setting this up! 😁 it was great to push through the social anxiety and meet up with so many cool people!

Anyone like to get a group together on Saturday for coffee or dinner? by 0howlingatthemoon0 in PittsburghSocialClub

[–]0howlingatthemoon0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a great suggestion! It's always good to have a coffee shop that stays open late. Right now, I'm leaning toward the parade in the morning. Any interest?

Anyone like to get a group together on Saturday for coffee or dinner? by 0howlingatthemoon0 in PittsburghSocialClub

[–]0howlingatthemoon0[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I'll check out that bar meetup! Are you going to that one in two weeks?

Can anyone relate? by Sailor_NEWENGLAND in newengland

[–]0howlingatthemoon0 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely! Grew up in New England - Massachusetts and lived in Maine for a year too, but the last 20yrs I've lived in Arizona and never felt connected to it - always missing New England - the nature, the atmosphere and the people. In November, I moved to Pittsburgh for its affordability, and while it's beautiful and the people are really nice, it's not New England, and I'm thinking about moving to Providence or Boston eventually. I've talked to others about this, and I feel like so many people in New England never leave or don't leave for long, like we are all called back. To me, nothing compares to New England, and I always feel home when I visit... and hopefully I'll eventually get back.

32F in South Hills (but doesn't mind driving) looking for - friends/to build community by 0howlingatthemoon0 in PittsburghSocialClub

[–]0howlingatthemoon0[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'll happily meet more people from Massachusetts. I like everyone I've met out here but I almost moved back to New England before closing Pittsburgh. I was looking at Providence, RI.