Aspiring Bartender?!
Aspiring Bartender?
I've been interested in a career in bartending for some time and was wondering if someone could point me in the proper direction in which to go to get this ball rolling.
Answers:
I have been in the business for 15 years now in many different rolls. I currently am a Food and Beverage Director in a major hotel. I started as a Bouncer in a night club and worked my way up.
I would not waist my time with bartending school. Understand that if you are willing to work (not everyone who is looking for a job is looking for work) and willing to learn, then sell an employer on the idea of starting as a busser or "bar back". You will have to take out the garbage and mop the floors and get ice and stock beer but eventually someone will not show up for a shift and if you have been paying attention you can fill in. Start at your local Applebees or somewhere like that and make sure that all the managers know your desire and intentions and your willingness to fill in wherever needed.
Some cautions for you. I have seen it too many times that young people make so much money that they give up on the idea of going to school, they stay up all night and party with co-workers and are exposed to a whole new life that many times involves excesses with alcohol and drugs. Be smart. make a lot of money and do it as a job until you get done with school and start a career. If nothing else, you will always be able to go back to being a bartender if you need to.
in many areas, bartending jobs are very coveted. the best way to go about it is to get on bar backing somewhere and work your way up. most places wont hire outside the company if you have no experience. the other way is to make friends with a bartender and hope they can get you some hours at their job. ive been bartending for 4 years and because the money is so good people rarely quit. you kind of have to luck out. thats how i got my job.