Exactly: it is a choice to work in hotels. Often people do not realise there are many fringe benefits the staff receive that make up for low wages. This can include free meals, access to the facilities off hours (swimming pool etc.), and preferred hiring for family members and job security. In developing countries, just being in a clean, safe work environment with flush toilets and running water is a major luxury and added bonus to working there. 

It is you who is coming in with the weird attitude that the people are poor and beaten down when you do not know the actual circumstances. Reward by all means exceptional behaviour but do not ruin your holiday with guilt and obsession over tipping.