Being a bartender definitely has its perks.
You never get told to quiet down or that you talk too much (which HAS happened to me in other employement adventures). You don’t have to sit in front of a computer replying or sending emails all day. Generally, you work with pretty laid back people.
Basically you just talk to people and hope you can either make the drink they want or fake it good enough so they can’t tell you don’t remember the ingredients; worst case scenario, talk them into a beer! I don’t care to remember all of the fancy drinks, but I can pour one HELL of a beer and I’m always down for a chat.
One of the main perks that is often overlooked is the friendships that are forged in the late night hours over shared stories and drinks.
I happen to know a LOT about the regulars that come in on my shifts. The exchange of stories is my favorite part of the job. Especially the hilarious ones that often start with beers. As they say, no good story ever started with a salad.
Of course, there are people that I politely try to avoid like the plague but for the most part I love everyone that comes in on my shifts. Especially Joe.
Joe is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever met. He has some great stories from growing up in the 70’s. He’s one of those people that makes conversations easy and he gets along with everyone.
Yesterday he came in and gifted my parent in crime and me matching mugs. He said, “every bartender needs one of these”. He isn’t kidding!
Maybe you need one of these too for a family get together 😉
Namaste, Jes xoxo