Oh yes, healthcare is a huge burden here in the US. It's beginning to feel like universal healthcare might never happen. The amount my wife and I pay monthly is astronomical and the coverage isn't great. Thankfully we can afford it right now but many people can't and have to choose between surviving and healthcare. It just isn't right.

We have a good friend, Tommy, who bartended all his life. He lived within his means, paid off his house, and is living a very good life now in retirement. I think the cash tips really helped him along the way. I can imagine it's tougher to make it now in the hospitality industry though. What struck me about him is because of his late night shifts almost all of his friends are in the industry because they had a completely different schedule that people who work regular day jobs.