Becoming a Bartender

Bartending may look as simple as pulling the handle on a keg, or mixing a drink and presenting it the patron. It may even appear to be a lot of fun. You also get the great tips, right? Yet being a quality bartender is hard work.

Bartending, if done well, is a juggling act that keeps multiple pins in the air and makes it look effortless. The bartender must mix the drinks in an order that keeps the waiters/waitresses waiting the least amount of time, keep those at the bar satisfied, constantly check the beer and liquor stocks and make sure every variety of clean glass is always available, and that the bar is kept clean.

The bartender is also responsible for making sure no one underage gets served nor anyone who is already appears drunk. Between all these activities, he/she plays psychiatrist, listening to those at the bar complain about their wives/girlfriends or husbands/boyfriends. All the time the bartender must be controlled, polite, kind and affable. If the bartender has had an awful day, that’s too bad. The stress of the job can take a toll on one, even if he/she has someone else to do the heavy lifting and if it is a small bar, the bartender may do the lifting as well.

If you become a bartender (and get good at juggling), it can be fun. You will meet lots of interesting people, and a lot of people who are not interesting. You will, however, have to provide the same quality of service and friendliness to both kinds. For many people their personality worsens when they drink. You must deal with the ones who cry or yell or swear or want to fight, keeping yourself calm and controlled at the same time.