As with any other job, bartending comes with its own pros and cons. In this article, we discuss the Bartender pros and cons so you can decide whether pursuing a Bartending career is right for you.
Pros of Being a Bartender
As Paula Lukas puts it, interacting with people and getting paid for it is just one benefit of working as a Bartender. Let’s take a look at some other notable pros of being a Bartender.
Potential to earn good money
Bartenders can make a lot of money from tips on top of their base salary. In fact, many Bartenders earn more from tips than their base salary. However, keep in mind that the amount of money you make will vary depending on where you work.
Being social and attentive can get you more tips and networking opportunities.
Healthy social life
As a Bartender, you’ll serve customers from all walks of life. If you’re an outgoing person who enjoys meeting and talking to people, the social aspect of working behind the bar can be fun and rewarding. You’ll also work with many colleagues who may eventually become friends.
Flexible work hours
Bartenders often have more room for work-life balance given their flexible schedule. Depending on your agreement with your employer or supervisor, you can work on weekends or specifically morning or night shifts. In other cases, your work hours may vary from day to day. This flexibility makes bartending a good option for students and people working other jobs.
Development of various skills
Working as a Bartender can help you develop a wide range of hard and soft skills. For instance, you’ll develop customer service, organizational and multitasking abilities that you can transfer to other areas of life. You’ll also learn how to make many cocktails and drinks, work in a high-pressure environment and handle transactions via point-of-sale systems.
Endless job opportunities
There are countless bars, restaurants and nightclubs looking for Bartenders, regardless of your skill level. If you don’t know where to start, enlist in a bartending school to learn how to serve alcohol responsibly and learn the ropes of working behind the bar.
Additionally, bartending offers flexibility in scheduling, allowing individuals to pursue other interests or commitments during the day. The role also provides opportunities for creativity in crafting unique cocktails and developing a personal style. Moreover, the social nature of the job enables Bartenders to build a network of contacts, which can be beneficial for future career advancements.
After completing the course at the bartending school, you’ll get a bartending license and Bartender job placement assistance to get you right into the workforce. Now that we talked about the good, let’s also discuss the bad.
Cons of Being a Bartender
Busy periods, dealing with difficult customers and long hours are just a few reasons why many Bartenders are only in the profession for a short time.
Physically demanding
Bartending can be physically demanding. It involves working through busy shifts and long hours, heavy lifting and moving in a confined area. You’ll have to constantly reach up and down to grab glassware, bottles and glasses and carry multiple drinks at a time in a fast-paced environment which can result in slips, falls or trips.
Late and long hours
Most bars will require you to work weekends and late, long hours. This can interfere with your friends and family time and other interests. Something they don’t teach you at bartending school is that irregular shifts can also negatively impact your sleep schedule, leading to health problems down the line.
Mentally demanding
Dealing with drunk customers and difficult situations is a part of the job. You’ll also need to manage multiple orders at a time, handle money and deal with upper management, which can be tough. If that happens over a longer period, it can lead to burnout.
Low job security and inconsistent pay
We said that one of the pros of being a Bartender is the never-ending demand. On the flip side, losing your job can happen swiftly and without a warning, especially if you work in establishments that don’t have a steady flow of customers and are overstaffed. Moreover, how much money you bring home largely depends on tips. So when things are slow, you may not always earn as much as you’d have hoped.
Limited progression
While this isn’t the case for everyone, working as a Bartender often has limited room for improvement. Hard work and experience can get you a raise or a management position, bartending rarely offers the benefits and stability of other positions outside of hospitality.
Essential Skills for Successful Bartenders
To thrive in a bartending career, it’s important to develop a combination of technical and interpersonal skills:
- Mixology Expertise: Understanding various drink recipes and techniques to craft cocktails efficiently.
- Customer Service: Providing a welcoming atmosphere to enhance guest experience.
- Multitasking Abilities: Managing multiple orders and tasks simultaneously during peak hours.
- Cash Handling: Accurately processing transactions and managing the cash register.
- Knowledge of Alcohol Laws: Being aware of local regulations to ensure responsible service.
Career Advancement Opportunities in Bartending
While some view bartending as a temporary job, many professionals make it a long-term career with opportunities for advancement within the hospitality industry. Potential career paths include:
- Head Bartender: Leading a team of bartenders and overseeing bar operations.
- Bar Manager: Managing inventory, staff schedules, and overall bar performance.
- Beverage Director: Developing drink menus and ensuring quality across multiple venues.
- Hospitality Consultant: Advising establishments on bar setup, menu creation, and staff training.
Pursuing certifications and continuous learning can facilitate these advancements.
Is Bartending a Career Worth Pursuing?
If you are an outgoing person who values flexibility in their work hours and enjoys socializing in a fun, dynamic atmosphere — you should go for it. If you don’t have the mental fortitude to deal with drunk people and don’t want to work weekends and have inconsistent schedules, then you should probably consider another career path.
Bartender Pros and Cons FAQ
Preparation starts with building stamina and practicing self-care. Stretch regularly to avoid strain from repetitive movements, invest in supportive footwear, and maintain good hydration. Mentally, practice stress-management techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness. Being organized and learning to prioritize tasks can help reduce mental strain during busy shifts.
Choose venues with high foot traffic or consistent clientele, like popular bars or upscale restaurants. Develop exceptional customer service skills to maximize tips. Diversify income sources by taking additional shifts, working at events, or offering mixology classes. Building strong relationships with regular customers can also improve tip consistency.
Set a clear schedule and stick to it. Communicate with loved ones about your availability and prioritize quality time during your days off. Focus on sleep hygiene by creating a dark, quiet sleeping environment and avoiding screens before bed. Managing energy and time effectively can help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Pursue certifications like mixology, beverage management, or alcohol safety training to enhance your credentials. Network with industry professionals and seek mentorship from experienced colleagues. Set clear goals, such as becoming a Bar Manager or Beverage Director, and take on additional responsibilities to demonstrate leadership potential.
Evaluate your personality and lifestyle preferences. If you enjoy socializing, thrive in fast-paced environments, and value flexibility, bartending could be a great fit. However, if you prefer structured hours, consistent income, and low-pressure work, another career path might be more suitable.
Written by Mitko Terziev
With over eight years of experience in the field, Mitko is a seasoned content specialist who has penned thousands of articles covering a wide array of topics. Before writing, he spent a few months working as a Bartender in one of the best bars in his hometown. In his free time, Mitko enjoys immersing himself in the worlds of gaming and nature.
Reviewed by Marcy Miniano
Marcy is an editor and writer with a background in public relations and brand marketing. Throughout her nearly decade-long career, she has honed her skills in crafting content and helping build brands across various industries — including restaurant and hospitality, travel, tech, fashion and entertainment.
