What should i do? (bartending?)?

Question

ok im 20 and i dont know what to do with myself ill be 21 in nov .. i need to start making some seriouse money im sick of making 8 bucks an hour .. i cant afford to go to school and if i could i wouldnt even know what to take.. i get board real easy and i hate closing darn stores (cleaning moping all that c**p) so i was thinking of bartending but im not 21 for another 3 more months .. 1 do you think its a good idea to learn the bartendding 2 what should i do meanwhile .(i know i cant drink but can i practice mix with fam.. should i buy a book save up for school.. ill be living in vegas too... im so stressed out with trying to make money .. and i dont trust the online things .. pleasse help .. thanks o and i know i cant spell thank you :)

Answer 1

Bartenders can make real money.  They earn it for putting up with drunks.  It can be fun at times, though.  Learn the drinks, there are a lot of books.  Simple memorization.

Answer 2

Go for it, and put your heart and soul into it, and forget about the $$ - that will come with time, and experience.   Taught me tons about the people that drink beer (my job now), (and other things) - probably gave me more insight into what I do now than actually brewing...

If you can get some cocktail books, some wine knowledge, and some beer knowledge - go for it.   Know your basic cocktails, local favourites, observe the local star barmen, know your local breweries, (BJ's - Mustafa - Micheal Fergerson - I think...?!?),  and get to know the difference between Pinot Noir's and Cabernet Sauvignon - There is nothing stopping you buying Celebrator, Draft Mag, Wine Spectator, for a few $$ - I would even go as far to get a subscription to them.  

Then check up your local liquor laws - very important.   Oh, when you get time grab a book on interpersonal psychology - and sales - and have a read.   Go to the local library, rather than spend $$ on Amazon.  

Have a think about where you're likely to meet a great diversity in people - for experiences sake  - I would suggest hotel bars - to get a feel for what avenue that you're into - you can earn good $$ in a dive bar, as much a fancy place - and I have had great fun in dive bars... crazy things happen.  

and, above all - learn to listen - to people, both customers and experienced people around you.    2 ears, one mouth - and use them in that order.   Speed is great - but accuracy and application of knowledge is a better asset.   Oh, and keep moving whilst you can - a year at most in one place - even worth doing two jobs - and lay of the liquor.  go easy on the chips, caffiene, and booze - almost to say keep off it whilst you're at work.   Stay fit, stay learning - and think about what you're doing.   Also, if you can get a part time course at college - doing something completely different - do that too, just to keep you from being in a bar all your life.  Daylight will be a novelty - so find something that forces you to get out into "normal" life.  I would maintain a gym membership.   And, stay up to date with local and national news, sports etc.  They might not be interesting to you, but might be to a customer willing to drop serious $$ in tips.  

It might seem that I am being extreme about being a bar man, but I find it one of the most amazing jobs - and I spent years doing it, paid my way through college, etc etc.   Probably taught me more about people than any uni course that I have ever taken.

oh, btw, beer rots shoes. so forget wearing anything smart - go safe.

above all, have fun!  smile.

Answer 3

Don't go to bartending school (i.e. don't waste the money) unless the job you are applying to requires such an endevour (usually only hotels and casinos ask for that kind of stuff)

Also, most states don't require a license either. Depending on what state you live in you need to make sure of the age requirements (most states require that you are 21 years old and that's it, some want you to get a state license...etc...) Just check the laws for your state (go here: http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/StateAn...

The most important thing that you should do is pick up the Bartender's Black Book (you can usually find it at a local package store, if not order it from Amazon). It has thousands of recipes, Plus all the basics, terms, and measurements you need to memorize immediately. Learning your pour count, knowing how to make a Long Island, a Martini, a Cosmo, how to tap a keg, etc...

Other than knowing how to pour drinks and serve drinks quickly, the main thing a bartender has to do is listen/talk to people. Make sure you are a people person. You have to love to listen too, especially to drunks. You also want to be up to date on local stuff (where the best entertainment spots are, the nearest hotel, the cab's number, etc...) You also need to have at least two jokes you can pull from memory. One dirty, and one you could tell your mother. Both have to be funny. Also be up to date on all sports scores, especially on local teams. Know who is playing who and at what time (make sure to have it on the TV too).

When starting out, it may be tough to get a job. The best thing to do is to apply to all the places that cycle through bartenders/barbacks a lot (like restaurants, hotel bars, etc...) Then find bars that you like personally and become somewhat of a regular at those places. Get to know the other bartenders, owners, managers, and then in a few months drop the line that you would be willing to work for them. Start out as a barback and work your way up. Most small bars are run like families anyway. You will have to know your fellow employees well. That is how I got my first two bartending jobs and eventually made it to bar manager.

Bartending is an extremely fun job. You will meet tons of people and hear lots of interesting stories. Plus you will know alcohol better than the back of your hand. I find it to be quite rewarding when it comes to the bank account too.

Have Fun and Good Luck!