Why Bartend? - 8 Great Reasons

I never really thought about bartending much until I needed a job in college. Strapped for cash and wanting to be able to afford my ramen and case of miller lite for the week I needed quick money. So I walked about a block from my Catholic, liberal arts college and put my name in at a local sports bar.

The rest is history, but history would've started a bit earlier if I had considered the following list.

8 reasons to ask yourself - Why Bartend?

1. You get to talk to people - This is one of my favorite parts of the job. Meeting people from all around the world with different experiences is a great way to expand your horizons and gain future contacts.

2. You're in control - You're the one pouring drinks so often you'll demand respect. It's stupid to piss off the bartender - they'll either cut you off or kick you - bartenders are in the drivers seat.

3. Unleash your Creativity - Create your own drink masterpiece and chisel your bartending personality. Being unique keeps guests coming back and keeps the job from becoming mundane.

4. Good Money - It's not rare to find bartenders making over $20 per hour. For more information refer to how much do bartenders make?

5. Cash - You can literally take home the majority of your pay the night you make it. Talk about time value of money!

6. Mobile Lifestyle - Wherever there are bars there are going to be bartenders. Enough said. I literally moved from Green Bay, Wisconsin to Honolulu to be a bartender, learn more about that experiment here.

7. Networking - Depending on where you work you may be serving some very well off and powerful customers. When working at a fine dining restaurant I've gotten job offers, contacts who offered to put me up in their homes abroad, and a ton of life advice.

8. It's fun - Think about it. You aren't stuck to a desk all day, you get the be physically active, shoot the shit with guests, and your job is making people happy with drinks. It's hardly work if you ask me.

If you've read over the list and you still have to ask yourself - why bartend? This profession just simply might not be for you.