@Eirolfeam2 3 October 2025 more from that month

I Received €16 Tips From the Restaurant I Work At The other day, the manager handed me €16 worth of tips from the restaurant, and I was so surprised! 🤑 When I started working in the hospitality industry here in the Netherlands, I always thought, “No way I’ll ever receive tips.” People often say that tipping culture here isn’t strong compared to the US, and I also heard many times that Dutch people are “tight with money.” 😅 On top of that, horeca employees already earn a decent wage, so tipping isn’t really necessary or expected.

That’s why receiving this small envelope of tips felt so meaningful. It may not sound like much, but when I convert €16 into Philippine pesos, it’s already worth more than 1,000 pesos. Back home, that’s a big deal. Even here in the Netherlands, €16 can already cover groceries for almost a week — bread, milk, cheese, vegetables — the essentials. 🥗 But beyond the amount, what touched me most is the gesture itself. It reminded me that even in places where I thought it was unlikely, people can still show appreciation in simple but heartfelt ways. It also reminded me how important it is to never underestimate the value of small blessings. Moments like this motivate me to keep working hard, not just for the money, but because every effort is seen and appreciated in one way or another. And while €16 might just look like coins and bills, for me it’s a symbol of encouragement, gratitude, and the reminder that little things are never really little if you know how to value them. 💛