What's it like being a bartender? (Professionally)?

Question

I'm thinking about becoming a bartender and I've heard good things and bad things about it. I live in Vegas so if anyone here has some words of experience that would be super!!! However I would like to know from anyone who's done it before or currently - how's the money, how's the work, how's atmoshphere, environment and schedules? Overall - did you or do you like bartending.

Answer 1

It's not really high glamour. It's busy, hot, sweaty, you have to deal with people hitting on you, yelling (from customers and mgmt), drunk idiots who are a**es, having to call the bouncers, making judgment calls, etc... You can make interesting conversation sometimes. But really it's a long hot job, and you have to work while everyone else has fun. But you do get great tips! I made over $600 one day.

Answer 2

I have been a professional bartender for 10 years, and I can honestly tell you that it can be one of the best jobs.
The education you can receive behind the bar is unlike any other.
I am now practically "retired", but can't seem to totally give it up--the money can be incredible--but be sure to have a savings plan--the atmosphere is intoxicating--have fun, but not too much--every vice imaginable will cross your path, esp. in Vegas--the schedules suck--to make "real" money, you will work every weekend night and holiday.
There is an incredible pressure to be "hot" that can sometimes be overwhelming, but I can honestly say, I don't regret any of it.
I have incredible "people" skills and nothing phases me anymore--it made me a very open-minded person.
If you really want to do it, my best advice is to be nice, even when they are five deep, people appreciate manners, and will respect you for it.--also, don't sleep with your co-workers-a rule I always had and that is why I survived for so long when others didn't. Don't sh#t where you eat.

Answer 3

I love bartending so far. You do get the occasional rude and idiotic drunk, but the work is great. I myself work for a catering company, so I get paid more per hour, therefore I'm not allowed to have a tip jar or solicit tips, however I do get some tips. You have to be calm in crowds and keep your nerve. My boss, when I first started, said that the last few people he hired and had to let go just couldn't handle the pressure. I tend to work better under pressure though. And the customers get entertaining as they get buzzed, but sometimes you get the violent drunks.

You're also responsible for your customers' safety. You have to be sure not to let them leave when they're pissed drunk. You can actually go to prison for being careless. You have to watch all of your customers closely and pay attention to what and how much they are drinking. You also have to check ID. Cops sometimes have kids ask for drinks under cover, so beware.

Answer 4

My friend's sister has done bartending for the better part of her life. First, you have to like people. Secondly, the hours can cut into your social life if you like going to clubs yourself. They will always need you on New Year's Eve, etc. The tips are awesome. The atmosphere depends on the place (the type of patrons they attract). Sometimes in order to get experience you have to start in a less attractive place.
My friend's sister loves it.

Answer 5

i'm 21 and currentelly doing it, i've been doing it for about 4 years, i live in greece and the alchool age levels are really lax.

its gr8, you get alot of girls, but its true, when every1 is just dancing and drinking etc ur there mixing drinks, taking glasses 2 be washed, refilling ice, taking money, having to give change back, then (like at my bar, tgi fridays athens) when the lights come up, we have to clean the ENTIRE bar millitary style.

so its kinda love-hate relationship, for me its a 80-20 love-hate, cause i love it, so it depends on the person mostelly

Answer 6

All depends on the person.....everyone i now that is bartending loves it and they are a people person....you know someone who is entertaining and funny loving.

Answer 7

depends on the bar....I only worked in an airport bar...but i made good money,met lots of interesting ppl, and had fun and my hours were decent.....however i would not want to work in a club or anything like that.....maybe a high class hotel would be nice....go for it

Answer 8

Do they allow smoking in vegas? People who work in smoky bars have a much higher incidence of lung cancer. Plus you go home smelling disgusting every night.

If anyone out there is a smoker. Know this: You're killing yourself and making yourself smell bad.