Considering A Career In Bartending?

By: Michael Russell

Bartending is not always the most glamorous job. Bartenders have a lot to deal with. First they have to take care of all the customers at the bar in addition to preparing drinks for restaurant guests. They have to keep an eye on stock levels of all beer and liquors. They have to watch out for underage drinkers and fake ids.

They also have to watch out for people who are too drunk and need to be cut off. They have to handle cash or tabs for the customers at the bar. Many times they will have to serve food orders to customers at the bar and process take out orders. When the bar is busy, there may be an endless line of people at the counter waiting for drinks.

Some of these people may get angry after waiting too long. Some of these people may be drunk already, which will make them even angrier. Some people will not tip after running you around all night. There is an endless list of drinks that a bartender needs to know how to make. New drinks are always being created and the bartender has to stay up to date on these trends.

Female bartenders may get hit on or harassed by unpleasant male patrons. The bar will probably be a very smoky room. Most bartenders will have to work late into the night and stay until the last customer is gone. Most likely, they will have to stay and clean up the place at 3AM before they can go home.

All of the above information does not make bartending seem very fun. So why do some people choose career in bartending? Despite all the negatives, there are also many great things to be said about bartending. Bartenders can make great money in tips. People may be more likely to tip more if they are intoxicated.

Many times a bartender can earn a salary higher than an entry-level college graduate. Many larger bars also offer full benefits to bartenders. Bars are a fun and lively environment to be in. People who visit bars are usually there to let loose and have a good time. Bartenders meet all different types of people and hear lots of interesting things during a shift.

There are many different environments available to bartend in. Venues range from restaurant bars or nightclubs, to weddings and corporate functions. Bartenders also have the freedom to experiment with a full bar’s worth of alcohol and come up with new and exciting drink creations.


How does one get a career in bartending? There are numerous bartending schools in existence. Classes can range from 1 week to 5 weeks. Many bars will not hire someone without the necessary skills. A lot of places do not have the time to train someone how to be a bartender. Some places will however train an existing employee how to bartend.

Many people get their foot in the door by starting out in a different position at a bar or restaurant and working their way into bartending. Regardless of whether a bartender starts out in school or in a bar, the real world experience will ultimately be the best experience he can get.