Is Bartending school a waste of time and money?

Question

I am thinking about going to bartending school, I am married and have a 11 year old son. My husband does not think it is a good idea to go to bartending school, He thinks it is a waste of money and basically probably a scam. He does not like the idea of the hours of working in a bar, and the fact that I may be hit on, just a lot of factors including the time. Ect.

Answer 1

yes, bartending schools are a colossal waste of both. in my 25 years in the business i've never once seen a "graduate" get the job, because it takes too long to "de-program" them, most places prefer to train a novice over hiring a graduate. check out www.totallyfreebartending.com for starters. if you've never worked in the restaurant/bar industry, starting as a bartender without restaurant experience is a very bad idea. it is by far the hardest job, with the longest hours, and most physical work involved. hire on as a server, or cocktail server at a smaller place, to see, if this business is for you. if you are just looking for a part time job, you'll make more money that way, and is much easier work. as a bartender you are expected to set up the bar, cut fruit (google the term "bartender's rot"), carry kegs, cases of beer, wine, soft drinks, clean glasses, wait on your own customers, make drinks for waiters, cocktailers, supervise the barback & cocktailers, etc. you have to multi-task at high speed efficiently for hours. when the rest of the staff gets to go home, you are stuck breaking down the bar, clean, restock for the next shift, fill out spill & comp sheets, and balance your cash drawer to the penny.

Answer 2

As a graduate of bartending school, I wouldn't say it is a total waste of time and money. I would say it gives you the basics on drink pouring and recipes. Honestly though, I learned a lot more working in the business and trying different things. I didn't learn anything in bartending school that I couldn't have learned by buying a book on bartending and practicing at home. Bottom line, if you don't have the money to burn, then don't. You are not gonna get out of bartending school and get a bar gig making tons of money. The only exception is if you are a reasonably attractive female you can make good money working at a go-go/topless bar. But it sounds like that would be an issue with your husband.
If I can make a suggestion if you really want to bartend here are some options:
-get a job at a private restaurant or club as a barback or server and work your way up. managers are more interested in seeing that you are willing to bust your a** than how many drink recipes you know.
-get a catering gig. hotels and catering halls need bartenders for weddings and other functions. its usually guaranteed money plus tips and the hours aren't that late usually.
-stay away from neighborhood "dive bars". especially if your husband has an issue with you getting hit on. also the hours s**k.
If you are still stuck on going to bartending school, then do your research. As with anything else, there are those who are honest and those who just want to take your money. Find out if they have job placement and check out the places they say hire their graduates. Get recommendations from others and don't give anyone any money without checking out their facility, course offerings, etc. Good luck!

Answer 3

I worked as a bartender for many years and have managed bars. If I see that someone has been to a bartending school I will not hire them; period. You are better off finding a job as a bar back or cocktail waitresse and learning the trade on the job. I have never met a good bartender that came from a bartending school and the cost is outrageous.

Answer 4

I started as a porter, worked my way up to a barback, and eventually begged for the worst shifts behind the bar. After a year or so of not messing up I was allowed to cover some of the good shifts if the "real" bartender was out or wanted off. Eventually I became the "real" bartender and for the next 5 years was worked into the ground while having barbacks ask me if I would train them.
It is not a glory job, it is hard work getting to the good shifts, and real hard work keeping them.
From the family situation you described I could not recommend bartending to you. A jealous husband and an 11 year old that might like to see his Mom awake once in a while are not exactly what most bartenders have waiting at home for them.
If you want in the liquor business you might want to check local liquor wholesalers or distributors. I did that after I left bartending and enjoyed the daytime hours and that I was still connected to the bar scene...just on more family friendly terms.
Good luck

Answer 5

I put myself through college bartending and have done it on a limited basis off and on. Learn at a smaller local place and move up. you can make good money at a good reputable bar/tavern. Dont do the bartending school, its a waste of time and money.

Answer 6

He is probably right. I am aware of bartending schools in my city, how their services are auctioned for conventions, big parties, private functions, you name it. They can be in town, in a shady part or good part, or out of town, and you would get yourself there and back to your house.
The money and tips can be good if you get to keep them. The downside is that the bartending company needs to make a profit from the bookings so they take out a couple of dollars from the contract pay they have negotiated with the person booking the function.

Most of the time, the bartenders are therefore male and unnattached since the hours can be unpredictable.

If you want to learn bartending for your own parties, fine , it is easy and just choose to work as staff in a major hotel, pub, or restaurant. Try that withoutgoing to school first .

Answer 7

No I don't. If it's what you want to do go for it!! But take into thought the hours away from your son and what it could do to your marriage. I know some bartenders and most are single for this very reason. Its a fun job or so I heard. you see and meet lots of different people. you do get hit on a lot. But think about it.

good luck and happy bartending!!

Answer 8

I have wasted my money and my time going to a bartending school. They don't hire you without experience. They don't care to even look at the certificate.

Answer 9

Do you need to go to school to train for bartending though? I'm sure a bar that is willing to hire someone new to the occupation would train you.

Well, every job has a downside but if you weigh out the pros and cons, you'll see if the job is worth it.

Good luck.

Answer 10

I tended bar for years without bartending school but I had a "mentor" who taught me. While school will teach you fundamentals, it will not necessarilly teach you about "bar life" which is 1/2 of the job. As for the hours, nothing says you have to tend bar at night, there are plenty of bars that have daytime hours as well and when it comes to being hit on, please, anyone can get hit on anytime, if you're happy in your relationship, it shouldn't matter. Good luck