Bartenders

Many bartenders work more than 40 hours a week. They work nights, weekends, and holidays, and split shifts are common. They have to work quickly and under pressure during busy periods. Also, they need more strength than average to lift heavy cases of liquor and mixers.

Many bartenders feel the difficulties of the job are more than offset by the opportunity to talk to friendly customers, by the possibility of one day managing or owning a bar or restaurant, or by the need for good part-time work.

It is important that individuals entering this field like people, since they will be in constant contact with the public. Even when the work is hardest and the most hectic, bartenders are expected to be friendly and attentive to their customers. Patrons of a bar will sometimes use the bartender as a sounding board or a confessor. All they really want is a sympathetic ear. Good bartenders will appear interested without getting personally involved in other people's problems.

The success of a restaurant or cocktail lounge depends on satisfied customers. For this reason, teamwork among the serving staff is crucial. Often working in cramped quarters, bartenders must cooperate quickly and willingly with other food and beverage service workers and make their workplace friendly and inviting to customers.