So many young people end up working in restaurants as wait staff during their high school and college years. They end up being run off their feet, working for minimum wage and having to rely on tips just to make ends meets. Many don't intend to spend their lives as waiters or waitresses, so they'd rather not spend any extra time or money on training to get themselves a better position. However, bartending school may indeed be a good option for many of these young people. Although it does take some extra studying, bartending training is available for a surprisingly minimal cost, and bartending is a good skill to have and it can even be a lot of fun. Plus, you have the opportunity to make some serious money, express your creativity, and have the comfort of being behind the bar, rather than out there mixing with drunken, groping customers.
Down the road, whenever one is between jobs or out of work, they can always fall back on their bartending training. Also, bartending skills come in handy when entertaining and in social settings.
Of course, there can be a downside to bartending. While many restaurants are non-smoking establishments, catering more to family groups, many bars are very smoky, and bartenders do have to deal with drunken patrons from time to time. However, most customers tend to have a special reverence for those holding the key to their next drink and so most times any trouble and vulgarities are not directed at those behind the bar.
The biggest benefit to bartending is definitely the tips. While pretty girls out on the floor flaunting their looks do get there fare share of gratuities, the ones actually bartending can really rake in the cash. Plus, bartending usually garners a higher base wage then regular wait staff usually receive.
Some bartending experts can even boost a bar's popularity if they can develop a rapport with patrons, create customized drinks and specialty items and in general, engage those they hold as captive audiences seated at the bar.
It may not be for everyone, but bartending can be a good skill to develop. It doesn't hurt to have the skill to fall back on, and your skill whipping up drinks will always make you a party favorite!
It doesn't take a big investment of time or money to attend bartending school and it's a good way to make some much needed cash during those hard up college years. Though most will move on to other interests and pursuits, some may even find that bartending is their long lost calling and they might even make it their career.
