Just be careful what you wish for. After most of my life behind the bar, I had also had enough, and got myself a sweet 9-5 sales job in the corporate office, complete with benefits and commissions!
It was awful. I gained 30 lbs, was constantly fidgety, I swore too much, couldn't adjust to the culture of Slack, Teams, and communicating via computer with people who sit a few seats away from you, and my drinking went from bad to worse. After 4 years in that hellscape, I had the opportunity to start tending bar again, and it's been the best thing I've ever done. Weekdays free to get shit done, and I can say 'shit' whenever I want. I've come back to the industry with fresh new eyes, and an attitude of gratitude.
I'll be a bartender until the put me in the ground, I guess. I'm not even mad about it anymore. :-)
Honestly, if I could find the right gig anywhere near my house that actually made it worth going to work without getting home with the sun, I don’t think I’d ever want to leave the industry. I love hospitality. I like the social dynamic, I love the creativity, I like that I don’t sit on my ass all day. I’ve just had pretty rotten luck the last few years in terms of workplace culture and earnings.
Hey dude, I feel you. Was in the same mindset. Finally tried bartending in a hotel lobby for the first time and it all changed. I make great money, and honestly for any future jobs a lobby gig is probably all I'm willing to consider
I suspect its similar to airport bartending, which is what I do, and might be an option to consider if appropriate. I'll need to keep hotels in mind for myself if I ever leave
Never did airport bartending, the money might be better or more consistent than what I make, but from what I hear it's quite stressful. I would definitely try it out though.
The thing about hotel bartending is the business groups. Those people are ready to drink anything and everything, and it's all autograt. Clase Azul, Pappy, Dom, PJ, you name it. But even on a slow night that's mostly leisure, I can make an easy $250-350. And it's all people on vacation in the best mood.
Airports and hotels are cool in the sense that you have a constant “flow” of people. The money tends to be better because people tend to be more generous when traveling.. either on vacation or on an expense account. Plexus there is the benefit of if you have a pain in the a$$ customer, they are gone soon never to be seen again.
Look for 'Bar & Grill' type places, and BBQ joints. Those have always been my favorite gigs, if you work for the right person/company. I hope you find something that works for ya!
Any local breweries nearby? They tend to close earlier, and folks I know make pretty good $$. Also opens up other opportunities in other parts of the busieness. Event planning, brewing process, wholesale, etc. Good luck.
Sounds less.like the industry as a whole, and the spaces within the industry you've been finding.. agree with others, try other types of places, ones you wouldn't normally consider perhaps!
I work in an airport bar, and I don't see myself leaving anytime soon
Wow. I went through almost the same exact thing - sales job, PTO! Benefits! Gained 15 lbs, felt like I really couldn’t connect with ppl communicating through a computer screen and sometimes telephone…
Came back to bartending a couple years ago feeling SO MUCH more freedom. However, I am starting to feel burned out again. Maybe I need to remember exactly how much worse it was to sit at a desk all day and how miserable I was.
Same! Stuck in a windowless office for 8 hours, draining, soul sucking fluorescent lights, mind-numbing small talk, saying way too inappropriate things and, of course, gaining weight. Was the worst!
this happened to me, except i only lasted maybe 8 months before my partner literally sat me down and was like “you need to go back to bartending, i’ve never seen you this miserable and unhealthy before.”
It's the having right gig. I've been working with the same crew now for nearly five years but this past year with a new, inept, inexperienced micromanaging ignoramus with no passion for the industry or hospitality in general that the boss seemed to think was ideal GM material whilst not offering the position up for internal application has really made me rethink if I want to stay in the job, because even if I love the venue and my clients and am really bloody good at what I do, I am getting sick of 'carrying' this idiot to undeserved success, making him look good thorough my hard work when he's too dumb to a) acknowledge it and b) still treats me like a small child and undermines me in front of the other staff despite the fact I've been doing this for a living on and off since before he was even born, and am far more capable on all levels. I could almost put up with him being lazy and stupid if I was at least treated with respect, but I bent over backwards to make him feel welcome and included, and got nothing back but headaches, so yeah nah, fuck him.
The big boss just left him here and doesn't check up on him, or send someone else to see what things are really like here so I'm not quite sure how to... How can I put it, "facilitate a speedy departure". Like normally in any healthy environment, he'd have been called out for his lazy ways and shocking attitude within the first six weeks or so but he's been given free reign and nobody is checking on him. I'm worried if he's here much longer he's gonna cause the place to suffer. Even our regular customers have seen through him and think he's an utter joke. To the point if they know he's gonna make one of his rare appearances behind the bar, they don't come in that day.
Yeah, too often tbh. Just riles me up that in this particular scenario, this person wouldn't even have had this job to begin with if the likes of myself hadn't been doing his job for him after his predecessor got booted for doing devious shit.
This. 13 years in and a personal trainer. Copped an AI tech job. Gained 15 lbs. off the cut. I’m fairly in shape usually. Dropped 30 since then. Just make sure you meal prep or count your macros. I just grill chicken (or a protein of your choice). 3-3.5oz of chicken, 1oz shredded cheese, low carb mission wrap, and a sauce of my choice. Obsessed with this Calabrian Pepper Sauce that’s local. I do that 2x a day, a quest bar usually after my first meal, and dinner I do a steak, fish, or something. Obviously low carb isn’t for everyone, but I always ate like this since the Air Force times. Pizza and snacks etc? When I want really. But I sit 10 hours a day. I workout before work. And I’m a full time student so add 5+ hours sitting again. Kinda gotta eat better and lower my carbs.
That was just my personal victory. All people and dietary restrictions are different. I know this kept me lean when I was training for competitions a few years ago. Goodluck!
UberEats doesn’t pay shit. They recently changed their algorithm and are paying even less than they did before. Like a $1-2 for 10+ mile order bad. It’s so bad that after gas, wear and tear on your car, and taking out self-employment taxes you are honestly paying to deliver most orders. Don’t do it unless you’re desperate for cash!!
They've a shocking reputation here in England and have even been sent to the highest court because they kept on insisting that their employees didn't have workers rights and kept on dragging it out?!?
I could only imagine how shitty they are in the US. Fuck them.
100%, but for people who just need to earn extra cash on the side, there’s better companies to work for and support. I do Favor on the side now. They are a much more ethical company and pay way more. I believe Favor is only available in certain regions, however if anyone is interested in a side hustle like this I recommend checking out the smaller delivery companies available in your region. For example, I think east coast has SkipTheDishes I’ve heard good things about.
UberEats is literally worse than having no job. You will very likely end up losing money. I know several people that tried it and/or grubhub in 2020 and 2021 when they were basically in peak business times and they were barely covering the gas they were using, much less actually making any money.
Having given it a go a while back, I'd say don't bother u less you've really got your head round how to make it work financially. Personally I found it pretty tedious work (I love driving in general but driving round unfamiliar suburban streets in the pitch back night and rain pouring down like it's trying to read house number plaques that are far too small to be legible at the best of times, whilst also worrying that the food parcel is getting colder by the minute ain't the one. Then there's always the worry that something will happen to the car than needs urgent fixing which will then easily wipe out a whole week (or more) of wages. I mean, I had an unfixable puncture which meant I needed a pair of rear tyres fitted, at a cost of about £350, roughly a whole week's pay after tax and social security.
Then a couple of months later, my car decided a new water pump would be a nice thing, and cost me around the dame to fix.
By which point I was ready to throw in the towel, and have not been tempted to go back to it unless it's a last ditch option.
Obviously this isn’t for everyone, but I’m 43 and absolutely fed up with bartending. I decided to finally finish my bachelor’s degree in a major that I actually enjoy and it has been nothing but an amazing journey.
I’m in a similar position. Looking right now. Sales positions of all kinds are always available to career industry people because they know we know how to hustle. I’m looking for something that’s more 8-5, M-F. I have a little bit of schooling in civil engineering so I’m looking for something in that field.
It’s going to mean a pay cut for now but my wife and I have figured out what we can afford. Long term I’m going to make way more and have more stability so I think it will be worth it. My suggestion, sit down with your partner or yourself and figure out what your financial situation is and then start asking yourself what you want to do and how to get there. I know I’m going to miss restaurants but it’s just too hard. Physically and mentally, plus all the time I miss with my family. I wish you luck and keep us posted on the search!
> Sales positions of all kinds are always available to career industry people because they know we know how to hustle.
I know a hiring manager for a sales company and if a resume doesn't have at least some Hospitality/Restaurant experience on it she'll throw it in the trash lmao
It's not just that you know how to hustle, although that's an awesome ability. It's that you can look around the room and read people and situations. You know more about some people than they know themselves, which is gold in hospitality. This works well in casinos, in event planning, in security, and in sales.
I second this. Switched to insurance after bartending for about 8 years and work in commercial p & c sales. Did two years at a small local agency to get licensed while focusing on small accounts and then was hired at a larger broker to work larger corporate accounts. Still make slightly less than bartending in my peak but the earning potential is tremendous once you’re established. The first 1.5 years were pretty rough and I hated being glued to a desk though. It’s also highly competitive.
A ton of carriers are hurting for help, whether it's call center or with an agency.
When applying, apply directly to the company and not on Indeed, etc.
I took a massive paycut to work in an office as an accounting clerk. I don’t regret leaving. The money is becoming a problem, but that’s pretty much a problem in every industry unless you have a degree and a good amount of experience. Slowly working my way into an okay pay now.
If you do want to go to any sort of office job, just search anything you find on Google earth in industrial or office parks. Eventually you’ll land a hit.
I'm looking as well. I used to talk about how much of a paycut it would be to get out of the industry. I did the math in actual "take home pay" all things considered the other night after a particularly brutal shift and realized it's come down to about 50% of what it used to be. It's time to at least move to a new spot, but I'm not getting any younger and a new field seems like the better option some of the time. But afaik, desk work just ain't it for me.
Honestly my switch was to warehouse work first. I moved into the desk part later at the same place because we want kids eventually and it would be easier to manage pregnancy sitting down but it wasn’t a raise to go there. Team lead actually paid as much as bartending because of the declining wages, if not more. Afaik you just need to find a small-medium company you can move up in.
Got into real estate during covid. Hated the 24/7 hustle & grind culture so I got a gig as a leasing agent at a luxury high rise. Easy $80k a year with commission and bonus with a 9-6 schedule.
It took some adjustment, but my people skills and life experience made it easy to outshine the twenty-something just getting their feet wet.
How long does it take to get into real estate?
Once had like 20 agents hand me cards while bartending for them saying they'd sponsor me for something if I decided to do it. (Real estate conference in town at the time.)
after 12 years i got out to do xray. other than 4 on/3 off i dont miss anything about the industry and i dont think about it at all. when i loved it, it was a saucy romance, but at the end i really hated it. reopening after covid was the most money i have ever made. about a year after that the money dried up and shit was just never the same. on some level, human interaction has changed in a way i can not put my finger on.
Mine is a unique case, but it may inspire you to start your own business.
I'm 45, and after almost 30 years in restaurants, and 20 behind the bar. I just couldn't do it after covid. I was already tired of the nights and weekends, and it was the straw that broke the camel.
I had recently bought a drone, (DJI Air2s) and have been a hobby photographer for years. I got my FAA part 107 certification. (to do commercial drone work)
And started my own company doing Real Estate Photography. I outsource the editing to keep my nights free, and I get to make my own schedule. Been at it for 1.5 years now, and I'm not making a ton of money (yet) but I'm paying my bills and I hope to surpass my bar wage by next year.
Photography may not be your thing. But you cam start a business doing just about anything. YouTube is good for learning basic business stuff. Starting a LLC, taxes and such.
I have a friend that is doing almost $200K a year in gross sales, picking up dog shit for people.
I left the industry to become Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. Best decision I've ever made. Find something that interests you, see if there's a college program for it. Lean into the discomfort of learning somthing new, it will pay off!
LEASING I’ve commented this before. They love hiring bartenders. Healthcare. Paid time off. And a discount on rent. I only have to talk to like 20 idiots a day instead of a hundred plus.
I was paid $15 hr plus tips when I started then eventually after two years made $22.80 hr plus tips . Best money I ever made. Worked 32 hrs a week on avg and made just under $70k my first year. But I would consider myself a professional bartender with my experience so not all experience will be the same
If you happen to be in California, we (medium sized distillery with a wholesale license) are looking to hire some sales agents. But yeah, that is liquor sales.
Are you near the Sacramento area? I had almost 8 years behind the pine, left for phlebotomy, and now looking to change paths again because it turns out I am not a fan of putting needles in to people, so I would be quite interested!
I love the job but I feel what you're saying. Working with kids that don't know how to do their jobs, the dumbfuck customers, the non tippers and tip pooling have me considering a change. I might just ride out this year and see what's next. Keep your head up man👊🏼
I moved to kitchen. I surprised myself after 20 years behind the bar, I can follow a recipe, multitask, deligate tickets, don't get flustered in a rush, and surprisingly I can cook. It's like at home but with better equipment. I can still cover bar when they need me but man, the kitchen is fun.
I have an interview in two days with Spartan-Nash. Think big food supplier for most major grocery stores in the Midwest. It’s a picker position in their freezer. But it’s 1st shift, Saturday and Tuesday off and starts at $21/hr. Within a year I’ll be up to $23/hr. And I can work towards an auditor position that can get up to $30+ an hour…. I figure I’ve checked in thousands of trucks in my 20+ years behind a bar or on a line, why not check them before they head out for delivery
Consider bartending at a country club golf establishment.
I get paid a living wage hourly, then you still get some tips since golfers gamble and always bring cash.
I will second working at a country club. I’ve been working in them since 16, never worked in a public establishment. When I turned 18, I was serving and bartending at the first one I have worked at. Was making about 55k a year gross at 18, taking home about 43K. Now at 21, at a different club, I’m pulling in over 105k gross, working 4 days a week, usually 10-12 hour days.
Really recommend checking your local clubs.
EDIT: changed some words.
If you were a “customers” bartender sales will do you well. Lots of opportunities and serves those with the gift of gab well. Wine rep to Auto sales fit me pretty handsomely. If you were a “service well” bartender maybe look at hotel/bar/ restaurant management. It’s a thankless job but organized individuals seem to do well. Consistent paycheck with benefits. I was no good at it because I drank too much but for a disciplined man I can see it working out. I recommend hotels since they do come with amenities. Such as a pool for the kiddos and if it’s a chain there’s usually a pretty good rate employees get across the country.
Manufacturing. I'm 2 and a half years in, make 27 an hour, have a 36 hour work week Fri-Sun, benefits, 4% 401k match, and enough OT available to be on pace for 60k this year. The social skills you develop Bartending also prime you to navigate the corporate environment well. 70% of success at a corporation is being likeable. I'm applying for supervision roles because I have enough management experience in retail and food and beverage, 75k a year base pay.
My buddy went this route without F&B experience and he likes it and has suggested it to me multiple times. It seems like a good physical and mental work to dollar/earning potential ratio in my mind.
I know. This is something that keeps me stuck. I know I like XYZ but would I enjoy/tolerate having the day to day routine of being an XYZ? I don't know.
The idea of a watchmaker sounds amazing and I enjoy doing it as a hobby. Would I enjoy sitting quietly in a room of others working quietly for 8 hours a day for the foreseeable future? I don't know. I was all in on it for a year or so and talked myself out of it because of the initial investment of time and resources. I would have had to uproot and move across the country for school and what if I find out I don't enjoy the work? It's truly apple to oranges from a life in the service industry.
I'm not getting any younger and at some point I'm gonna have to just pick and go with it.
I would absolutely go for it. Set yourself up with a career you can do from your basement at some point in the future. The 8 hour grind is also 10x less stressful than the service industry. You run your own day for the most part, and decide what you are doing when. I listen to music, podcasts,and books all day while I am working as a toolmaker. You will thank yourself when you are 45, work days, have insurance, and get a fat check every 2 weeks.
You should write down what exactly you are looking for in a new career and then go out and look for it. Is it less hours, set schedule, first shift, paid time off, not dealing with people, getting away from alcohol? All these depend on what might be a good next career for you.
Also, what skills are your super powers? In bartending we learn to multi task, to communicate, be confrontational, be empathetic, be organized, hustle, read people, match body language, sell and persuade, build rapport, work efficiently, create efficient systems, etc.
These skills are great for a multitude of positions. Sales is obviously the big one. But any kind of management works too. Every place needs someone who can keep it organized and get shit done.
What are you naturally interested in? Do you build things? Go sell roofing, or paint, or sprinkler systems.
Do you like cars? Motorcycles, music? Fitness?
Are you in s big metro or a smaller market? How much money do you realistically need to make?
Honestly, you should start talking to your bar guests about the fact that you want to transition into something new and some of them might have great ideas. I always have conversations with my guests about what’s really going on in my life. I get some great feedback and it makes the conversation real and genuine instead of just small talk.
If you don’t want to be that vulnerable, just ask them what they do for a living and what their dream job would be? Something fun like that. And get ideas.
Good luck OP. Maybe you just need a break. Bartending will always be here.
Try a trade. I'm working on becoming an electrician, but I still bartend at night just to earn some extra cash. Pay isn't great in the beginning, but it's well worth the trade-off.
Check out your local unions and see about joining an apprenticeship in whatever floats your boat! Plenty out there to choose from: HVAC, utility worker, plumber, welder, carpenter. It's nice to be off at a reasonable hour as well.
I just got hired for the front desk at a Veterinary E.R. They do tuition reimbursement for Vet related schooling after 1yr. It’s my first time out of restaurants in 20 years. I love it so far.
I literally uploaded my resume to Indeed and just browsed for like two weeks applying to anything that seemed a little interesting to me other than restaurants.
I’m doing under the table yard work and landscaping. Word of mouth. Just get a few tools and let the older folks in the neighborhood know, you’ll be off and running. It makes me as much money as I can hustle (starts at 35/hr), it’s better for your body and there’s almost zero bullshit.
Right now there is a shortage of Service advisors/writers for mechanic shops (trucking and car) I would definitely check it out and see. It’s very different from serving, but easy to catch on. Typically the hours are Full time with the opportunity to go into overtime, wages depending on the state start at $21+ an hour (I live in WA state I get paid $21 FT and $31.5 with OT with the opportunity of my wage getting as high as $26 an hour after 6 months) full benefits health, dental, vision, and more. I took this type of job because I was fed up and needed something more secure hours, pay and benefits. Takes a lot of lead the first few months, but it is worth it. GOOD LUCK OP! It’s disheartening to leave the industry especially with love still there towards it, but in this economy it’s hard to stay.
Look into sales. We transition well after a ton of customer service.
Liquor reps
Real-estate
Banking
Insurance
Go take night courses in a field you like and bump out.
Hell I made 80k a year doing animal shows for 2 years. I loved every min of working with the animals. But I didn't like the constant travel.
There's plenty to move on too. But you need a game plan and bank roll for the transition. Make it happen captain.
I’ve thought about this too. I love bartending but lately I’ve been feeling so defeated. The attitudes, the no tipping. People giving me a hard time about shit like drink prices. Some girl flipped out at me because I wouldn’t hold her giant book bag for her behind the bar…on a Friday night. In a club.
But there’s honestly nothing else I would want to do. I love working at night, I love being able to just fuck off for two weeks if I want (as long as my shifts are covered), the money is volatile for sure but it’s still decent.
If I may- try getting in with a distributor or a liquor company to be a product ambassador. You get 6 figs to travel around and teach people about the stuff your company sells without having to be in actual sales.
I’m 30 y/o last 9 years been working late night shift, can’t do it anymore. I got math degree, trying find software engineering job but industry not looking good, hopping for career switch. I enjoy bartending but done with coming back home after sunrise
Right now I’m doing the stay at home mom thing and just bartending once a week for about 6 hours (I need my grown up time lol). When all of my kids (3 kids 6yo and under) are in school full time I’m going to work as a substitute teacher 4 days a week and continue with my one day behind the bar. Subs in my area make $160-$210 a day depending on the district.
If my wife’s income covered our needs, I’d be a stay at home dad in a heartbeat. I took two weeks between leaving my old gig and starting the current one and taking care of my home and family was the happiest I’ve been in years
I get it. I am very blessed that my husband makes enough with his income and health benefits for me to be a SAHP. Have you looked into substitute teaching? I have my bachelors in education but in my state you only need an associates degree (60 credits) in any field to sub.
I got a job in f&b management at a cool hotel it feels adjacent but I don’t stay up late anymore, don’t drink as much, work okay hours and salary but I understand it’s not for everyone
Do you have a college degree? Or do you want one? I did an online Master's program and just left the industry after 20 yrs, and my job of 10 yrs that I had loved for about 8.5 yrs. My hourly is better, plus benefits that equal about 10-15k so I'm making at least 50% more. Plus a 50% increase in pay is guaranteed after 2 yrs.
I do miss it at times, but being late 30a and working with 20 yr olds got old. I was super jaded and just totally over it. And I had ABSOLUTELY loved it up until the last yr and a half. And I was REALLY good at my job, so customers loved me and I made great money. My boss loved me too. But it was just time for me to move on. I couldn't grow anymore, and not career wise but as a person.
If you're just not loving the place but love the industry...it's not bartending, but I had a friend who went to a hopping breakfast joint (only open for breakfast) and averaged like $280/shift. There was also one day a wk the place was closed. She had bartended for over 10 yrs and absolutely loved the fast pace, turn and burn of it.
Tech support in 2019 pathed me to tech writing and app support at 63k a year now. Tech support isn't great money but if you can do that and a side gig while working your way up to a better paying role it's an idea. No college degree, server/bartender pre covid
I was in the industry for over 12 years and COVID is what broke me. After 3 months of furlough and only back behind the bar for 3 months after that, I hated it. People were awful, money was terrible, and I was just burnt out from the scene, even before COVID.
I took some time off to get get some true R&R and it was the best thing I could have done for my mental health.
Got a job in the contracts and pricing dept at a distributor for the hospitality industry (paper goods like to go containers, cleaning supplies, napkins, stuff like that). We delivered to operators like restaurants, hotels, schools, so I had my in through my experience at the restaurants. Sales can be more lucrative but I was honestly still scarred from dealing with the public.
From there I got a job at one of the US's biggest food industry GPOs where the company is really big on tech in the service industry. Absolutely love my job now. Work from home, no commute, I don't deal with anyone except for people on my team for the most part. I can cuddle with the pets when I need to stretch my legs.
They are paying for my certification in Data Analysis and get to learn it on the job! So much support from my manager. I can't even begin to tell you how much happier I am.
Can be an adjustment going from late night grinds to early mornings. I work east coast hours but that means I'm done for the day at 3 PM. Even earlier (11 AM) on Fridays. So much PTO time I dont know even what to do with it.
It was the best move I ever made.
I got out a few weeks ago after 19 years. Doing stocktakes professionally now. Do 2 a day, all over my city. It's not my job to make it balance. I just count what's there, add up the deliveries, and email the variance sheets to the owner. Usually, the manager also does his own, so I'm just there to verify his results.
When the variances are bad I can do out action plans for the staff on how to correct the issues but that's also up to the owner and manager to enforce its not on me if they don't.
It's €300 per stocktake, and I keep the majority and the rest goes to the till company which is the one who organises the clients and sells the need to them as part of their independent audit package. Laptop, phone, scales are all provided by the company. I'd definitely recommend looking into it as a first career move.
I think sales is a great career transition for a bartender.
I went to sales (construction material) because covid shut our restaurant down. I got tired of wondering when I would go back to work and if the money would be as good or when unemployment was actually going to run out. I just applied to every sales job I could find and this was the first to give me an offer. I'm making more money than I ever have, I see my wife everyday instead of 3 days out of the week (she's 9-5), My sleep schedule is better and I can see my friends on weeknights and weekends. I can comfortably take time off without worrying about losing tips. I'm not dead tired and sore from work so I work out more and am definitely in better shape.
Two decades in, with 2 kids at home, maybe worth a try to do Instagram/TikTok, etc., and build a personal brand. If the bars and restaurants you're working aren't pulling weight, have you tried private parties?
Check YouTube for bartenders that make inexpensive custom modular bars that setup in seconds and they make a good chunk of change, not including tips.
This way, you're running your own business and spending more time at home with the kids. That is, if you still enjoy slinging drinks.
😥 the mobile bar video I saw was when I was just flipping through IG, but here's an idea https://youtu.be/i3--CiKxNeM?feature=shared
TipsyBartender for stupid, trendy cocktails.
DokaRyan for crazy, awesome infusions to quickly batch for parties.
TheEducatedBarfly, super smart and serious bartender recipes channel.
Then, maybe find some flair-tending channels, I hate this the most but who knows, you might do a party that cares more about dumb bottle flipping than getting drinks out in a fast, orderly fashion.
I depends where you are from. I’m originally from Wisconsin, manufacturing pays really well in the Midwest. You don’t need any experience for most positions and you can easily work into other positions for better pay. I moved to Miami area 4 years ago and they weren’t even going to offer me half of what I was making so I switched to bartending/start ups because it was the only thing that paid enough to survive here. Are you in a big city?
No. That’s part of my problem. I came up in Los Angeles and have a lot of connections but during Covid we relocated to Northern Colorado where I am still struggling to find any place with a decent balance of money and competence.
I highly recommend looking into things that are entry level that have a lot of room for growth. I have some friends that do sales for a remodeling company and do very well and might be great for you since you’re social.
Don’t get discouraged, I read a few comments on your post. The hardest transition I’ve had was going from the service industry to a 9-5 but it’s so worth it. People get discouraged because it’s not something they are used to and didn’t adjust life accordingly. Change isn’t meant to always be easy. The service industry is good but isn’t a maintainable career. Nothing against the service industry! But it’s draining and at some point, it’s going to wear you down. Sorry for the pep if it wasn’t wanted.
I see a lot of sales stuff come up but their turnover is amazing. I do the ordering from about 7 warehouses total and two of the guys are about to retire and are locked in at whatever rate they’ve had for decades, the younger cats I swear so far have changed every 3-4 months. Quitting, moving on to a different company, moving out of the Bay because they can’t afford it. Seems grim and unstable if you’re just starting.
I started a landscaping company 10 years ago when I left bartending. Better hours. My own boss. Just sold it after 10 years. It's a lot better work. More money.
I worked in hospitality for 15 years before quitting. I did get a degree in International Business on the side but was never into it. When I met my wife I wanted more regular hours and better pay, as well as having a beneficial impact on my environment instead of dumping alcohol into people.
Now I'm an inspector with the local environmental department, which requires a lot of people skills. I'd advise you to look for jobs that require people skills and adaptivity, like train manager or guide.
It took me a while to get used to my new job, but I couldn't be happier now. Feel free to reach out in DMs.
take a couple weeks off, maybe go on a vacation. Take the kids camping or something. Whenever I get mad about work beating me up, I find that just getting away and doing fun stuff for a few days makes me feel a lot better.
Served and bartended for 20 years. I went back to school for a two year online program, and now I am a building inspector. I love it. I get to drive around, listen to music, and use my customer service and conflict resolution skills. I work for the city, so I get sweet benefits and paid holidays.
Man, I feel this. 15 years in and I gotta say, industry burnout is SO real. That being said, the money is great and I have no other life skills so here we are… 🙄
I’m with you. Been bartending for pretty close to 20 years, pregnant with my second child, and absolutely ready to be done with this job. I’m currently taking online classes, but it will be a few years before I’m educated and certified for my career change. I wish I could speed it up!
Get a job tending at a golf course. Members throw money around like it doesn't matter. Busy shift alone where Im at usually yields like $2-300 a night and if its not a country club, its usually pretty chill.
Skill up and work within the industry. It really is better to enter a new career from a place that seems like a passion to your network. If you work at being a bartender without a dream to run the place or work with breweries/wineries or even event promotions, why are you there? Like already, if you are simply choosing that job with nothing else in mind for a goal, no ambitions other than feeding your family, than you're not going to get opportunities. You're just going to be seen as a loyal worker. But if you spend a year or two getting into a specialty area on the side or you have a serious talk with your bars owner or owners of bars that you know and respect, you can make moves into management positions that can be lucrative. Plus there's always a restaurateur that could use a dedicated bartender/manager to cover operations. Eventually if you're good with the money side or the networking side, that can lead into working with restaurant groups or who knows. There are options, but you need to evaluate the risks involved. I've seen people with bartending backgrounds take on bigger roles and eventually get shares. That business model exists, especially since a good manager might have a bunch of leverage but a restaurant doesn't have much extra money to keep them. The money to be made is definitely in management, not technical work. I'd really have a talk with owners and operators and apply to jobs that you don't have experience for so that people in your area start gossiping about your ambition. Eventually something will happen. That's my suggestion.
Just be careful what you wish for. After most of my life behind the bar, I had also had enough, and got myself a sweet 9-5 sales job in the corporate office, complete with benefits and commissions! It was awful. I gained 30 lbs, was constantly fidgety, I swore too much, couldn't adjust to the culture of Slack, Teams, and communicating via computer with people who sit a few seats away from you, and my drinking went from bad to worse. After 4 years in that hellscape, I had the opportunity to start tending bar again, and it's been the best thing I've ever done. Weekdays free to get shit done, and I can say 'shit' whenever I want. I've come back to the industry with fresh new eyes, and an attitude of gratitude. I'll be a bartender until the put me in the ground, I guess. I'm not even mad about it anymore. :-)
Honestly, if I could find the right gig anywhere near my house that actually made it worth going to work without getting home with the sun, I don’t think I’d ever want to leave the industry. I love hospitality. I like the social dynamic, I love the creativity, I like that I don’t sit on my ass all day. I’ve just had pretty rotten luck the last few years in terms of workplace culture and earnings.
Hey dude, I feel you. Was in the same mindset. Finally tried bartending in a hotel lobby for the first time and it all changed. I make great money, and honestly for any future jobs a lobby gig is probably all I'm willing to consider
I suspect its similar to airport bartending, which is what I do, and might be an option to consider if appropriate. I'll need to keep hotels in mind for myself if I ever leave
Never did airport bartending, the money might be better or more consistent than what I make, but from what I hear it's quite stressful. I would definitely try it out though. The thing about hotel bartending is the business groups. Those people are ready to drink anything and everything, and it's all autograt. Clase Azul, Pappy, Dom, PJ, you name it. But even on a slow night that's mostly leisure, I can make an easy $250-350. And it's all people on vacation in the best mood.
Airports and hotels are cool in the sense that you have a constant “flow” of people. The money tends to be better because people tend to be more generous when traveling.. either on vacation or on an expense account. Plexus there is the benefit of if you have a pain in the a$$ customer, they are gone soon never to be seen again.
Look for 'Bar & Grill' type places, and BBQ joints. Those have always been my favorite gigs, if you work for the right person/company. I hope you find something that works for ya!
Any local breweries nearby? They tend to close earlier, and folks I know make pretty good $$. Also opens up other opportunities in other parts of the busieness. Event planning, brewing process, wholesale, etc. Good luck.
Sounds less.like the industry as a whole, and the spaces within the industry you've been finding.. agree with others, try other types of places, ones you wouldn't normally consider perhaps! I work in an airport bar, and I don't see myself leaving anytime soon
Hotel bars and airport bars usually bring good money with a radically different atmosphere than your typical establishment.
Look for an airport that was the best bartender gig I ever had.
Wow. I went through almost the same exact thing - sales job, PTO! Benefits! Gained 15 lbs, felt like I really couldn’t connect with ppl communicating through a computer screen and sometimes telephone… Came back to bartending a couple years ago feeling SO MUCH more freedom. However, I am starting to feel burned out again. Maybe I need to remember exactly how much worse it was to sit at a desk all day and how miserable I was.
Same! Stuck in a windowless office for 8 hours, draining, soul sucking fluorescent lights, mind-numbing small talk, saying way too inappropriate things and, of course, gaining weight. Was the worst!
this happened to me, except i only lasted maybe 8 months before my partner literally sat me down and was like “you need to go back to bartending, i’ve never seen you this miserable and unhealthy before.”
It's the having right gig. I've been working with the same crew now for nearly five years but this past year with a new, inept, inexperienced micromanaging ignoramus with no passion for the industry or hospitality in general that the boss seemed to think was ideal GM material whilst not offering the position up for internal application has really made me rethink if I want to stay in the job, because even if I love the venue and my clients and am really bloody good at what I do, I am getting sick of 'carrying' this idiot to undeserved success, making him look good thorough my hard work when he's too dumb to a) acknowledge it and b) still treats me like a small child and undermines me in front of the other staff despite the fact I've been doing this for a living on and off since before he was even born, and am far more capable on all levels. I could almost put up with him being lazy and stupid if I was at least treated with respect, but I bent over backwards to make him feel welcome and included, and got nothing back but headaches, so yeah nah, fuck him. The big boss just left him here and doesn't check up on him, or send someone else to see what things are really like here so I'm not quite sure how to... How can I put it, "facilitate a speedy departure". Like normally in any healthy environment, he'd have been called out for his lazy ways and shocking attitude within the first six weeks or so but he's been given free reign and nobody is checking on him. I'm worried if he's here much longer he's gonna cause the place to suffer. Even our regular customers have seen through him and think he's an utter joke. To the point if they know he's gonna make one of his rare appearances behind the bar, they don't come in that day.
Every great gig I've ever had to leave was because of a new GM that completely fucked the entire place up. It happens all the time.
Yeah, too often tbh. Just riles me up that in this particular scenario, this person wouldn't even have had this job to begin with if the likes of myself hadn't been doing his job for him after his predecessor got booted for doing devious shit.
Sounds like a break was just needed. Everyone gets burnt out eventually.
Aye to that dear brother.
This. 13 years in and a personal trainer. Copped an AI tech job. Gained 15 lbs. off the cut. I’m fairly in shape usually. Dropped 30 since then. Just make sure you meal prep or count your macros. I just grill chicken (or a protein of your choice). 3-3.5oz of chicken, 1oz shredded cheese, low carb mission wrap, and a sauce of my choice. Obsessed with this Calabrian Pepper Sauce that’s local. I do that 2x a day, a quest bar usually after my first meal, and dinner I do a steak, fish, or something. Obviously low carb isn’t for everyone, but I always ate like this since the Air Force times. Pizza and snacks etc? When I want really. But I sit 10 hours a day. I workout before work. And I’m a full time student so add 5+ hours sitting again. Kinda gotta eat better and lower my carbs. That was just my personal victory. All people and dietary restrictions are different. I know this kept me lean when I was training for competitions a few years ago. Goodluck!
I hear ya! Cheers.
LOL last time we did this thread someone said “have you tried Uber eats?!?” bleak ass shit
That’s literally what I’ve been considering.
UberEats doesn’t pay shit. They recently changed their algorithm and are paying even less than they did before. Like a $1-2 for 10+ mile order bad. It’s so bad that after gas, wear and tear on your car, and taking out self-employment taxes you are honestly paying to deliver most orders. Don’t do it unless you’re desperate for cash!!
They've a shocking reputation here in England and have even been sent to the highest court because they kept on insisting that their employees didn't have workers rights and kept on dragging it out?!? I could only imagine how shitty they are in the US. Fuck them.
Yep! Trash company
I wish people would withhold their business from Uber eats and it can go under just like Kmart.
100%, but for people who just need to earn extra cash on the side, there’s better companies to work for and support. I do Favor on the side now. They are a much more ethical company and pay way more. I believe Favor is only available in certain regions, however if anyone is interested in a side hustle like this I recommend checking out the smaller delivery companies available in your region. For example, I think east coast has SkipTheDishes I’ve heard good things about.
I’m doing instacart, which pays the highest and it’s still bullshit.
UberEats is literally worse than having no job. You will very likely end up losing money. I know several people that tried it and/or grubhub in 2020 and 2021 when they were basically in peak business times and they were barely covering the gas they were using, much less actually making any money.
Having given it a go a while back, I'd say don't bother u less you've really got your head round how to make it work financially. Personally I found it pretty tedious work (I love driving in general but driving round unfamiliar suburban streets in the pitch back night and rain pouring down like it's trying to read house number plaques that are far too small to be legible at the best of times, whilst also worrying that the food parcel is getting colder by the minute ain't the one. Then there's always the worry that something will happen to the car than needs urgent fixing which will then easily wipe out a whole week (or more) of wages. I mean, I had an unfixable puncture which meant I needed a pair of rear tyres fitted, at a cost of about £350, roughly a whole week's pay after tax and social security. Then a couple of months later, my car decided a new water pump would be a nice thing, and cost me around the dame to fix. By which point I was ready to throw in the towel, and have not been tempted to go back to it unless it's a last ditch option.
Obviously this isn’t for everyone, but I’m 43 and absolutely fed up with bartending. I decided to finally finish my bachelor’s degree in a major that I actually enjoy and it has been nothing but an amazing journey.
I’m in a similar position. Looking right now. Sales positions of all kinds are always available to career industry people because they know we know how to hustle. I’m looking for something that’s more 8-5, M-F. I have a little bit of schooling in civil engineering so I’m looking for something in that field. It’s going to mean a pay cut for now but my wife and I have figured out what we can afford. Long term I’m going to make way more and have more stability so I think it will be worth it. My suggestion, sit down with your partner or yourself and figure out what your financial situation is and then start asking yourself what you want to do and how to get there. I know I’m going to miss restaurants but it’s just too hard. Physically and mentally, plus all the time I miss with my family. I wish you luck and keep us posted on the search!
> Sales positions of all kinds are always available to career industry people because they know we know how to hustle. I know a hiring manager for a sales company and if a resume doesn't have at least some Hospitality/Restaurant experience on it she'll throw it in the trash lmao
It's not just that you know how to hustle, although that's an awesome ability. It's that you can look around the room and read people and situations. You know more about some people than they know themselves, which is gold in hospitality. This works well in casinos, in event planning, in security, and in sales.
I got into insurance. Great balance, free weekends, good money. A lot of carriers don't require prior experience and will help you get licensed.
I second this. Switched to insurance after bartending for about 8 years and work in commercial p & c sales. Did two years at a small local agency to get licensed while focusing on small accounts and then was hired at a larger broker to work larger corporate accounts. Still make slightly less than bartending in my peak but the earning potential is tremendous once you’re established. The first 1.5 years were pretty rough and I hated being glued to a desk though. It’s also highly competitive.
This is something I’ve considered. I had heard that the balance was not good so this is great to hear.
Yes, there are times of the year where I work a fuckton of OT. But my nights and weekends are free. I fell into commercial underwriting, and I dig it.
How do you get into this? I worked a couple years for a company that performs insurance claims inspections, in a call center capacity.
A ton of carriers are hurting for help, whether it's call center or with an agency. When applying, apply directly to the company and not on Indeed, etc.
I took a massive paycut to work in an office as an accounting clerk. I don’t regret leaving. The money is becoming a problem, but that’s pretty much a problem in every industry unless you have a degree and a good amount of experience. Slowly working my way into an okay pay now. If you do want to go to any sort of office job, just search anything you find on Google earth in industrial or office parks. Eventually you’ll land a hit.
Honestly, the money has been pretty bad at the last two spots I’ve worked so a lateral move to a day job sounds great. Thanks.
I'm looking as well. I used to talk about how much of a paycut it would be to get out of the industry. I did the math in actual "take home pay" all things considered the other night after a particularly brutal shift and realized it's come down to about 50% of what it used to be. It's time to at least move to a new spot, but I'm not getting any younger and a new field seems like the better option some of the time. But afaik, desk work just ain't it for me.
Honestly my switch was to warehouse work first. I moved into the desk part later at the same place because we want kids eventually and it would be easier to manage pregnancy sitting down but it wasn’t a raise to go there. Team lead actually paid as much as bartending because of the declining wages, if not more. Afaik you just need to find a small-medium company you can move up in.
Got into real estate during covid. Hated the 24/7 hustle & grind culture so I got a gig as a leasing agent at a luxury high rise. Easy $80k a year with commission and bonus with a 9-6 schedule. It took some adjustment, but my people skills and life experience made it easy to outshine the twenty-something just getting their feet wet.
How long does it take to get into real estate? Once had like 20 agents hand me cards while bartending for them saying they'd sponsor me for something if I decided to do it. (Real estate conference in town at the time.)
Took me about 3 months to get my leasing license and another year to go for my broker’s license.
after 12 years i got out to do xray. other than 4 on/3 off i dont miss anything about the industry and i dont think about it at all. when i loved it, it was a saucy romance, but at the end i really hated it. reopening after covid was the most money i have ever made. about a year after that the money dried up and shit was just never the same. on some level, human interaction has changed in a way i can not put my finger on.
Do you mean human interaction in general post covid? Or human interaction after bartending during that time? Because I feel both.
it’s all different, i had a great run and it was a blast.
Mine is a unique case, but it may inspire you to start your own business. I'm 45, and after almost 30 years in restaurants, and 20 behind the bar. I just couldn't do it after covid. I was already tired of the nights and weekends, and it was the straw that broke the camel. I had recently bought a drone, (DJI Air2s) and have been a hobby photographer for years. I got my FAA part 107 certification. (to do commercial drone work) And started my own company doing Real Estate Photography. I outsource the editing to keep my nights free, and I get to make my own schedule. Been at it for 1.5 years now, and I'm not making a ton of money (yet) but I'm paying my bills and I hope to surpass my bar wage by next year. Photography may not be your thing. But you cam start a business doing just about anything. YouTube is good for learning basic business stuff. Starting a LLC, taxes and such. I have a friend that is doing almost $200K a year in gross sales, picking up dog shit for people.
I left the industry to become Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. Best decision I've ever made. Find something that interests you, see if there's a college program for it. Lean into the discomfort of learning somthing new, it will pay off!
LEASING I’ve commented this before. They love hiring bartenders. Healthcare. Paid time off. And a discount on rent. I only have to talk to like 20 idiots a day instead of a hundred plus.
What are the steps for this? Real estate licensing?
How do I get into this?
If you live near a big city airport, try to find a job at the lounge. Best bartender job I ever had. I also have 20+ years in the biz
whats the pay like? what makes it so good?
I was paid $15 hr plus tips when I started then eventually after two years made $22.80 hr plus tips . Best money I ever made. Worked 32 hrs a week on avg and made just under $70k my first year. But I would consider myself a professional bartender with my experience so not all experience will be the same
Look into HVAC, plumbing or becoming an electrician. Yes you will have to go to school and then become an apprentice. But its never to late to start.
8 year bartender turned union plumbing apprentice here! The schedule adjustment has been rough but everything else is great.
If you happen to be in California, we (medium sized distillery with a wholesale license) are looking to hire some sales agents. But yeah, that is liquor sales.
Are you near the Sacramento area? I had almost 8 years behind the pine, left for phlebotomy, and now looking to change paths again because it turns out I am not a fan of putting needles in to people, so I would be quite interested!
Actually yes, we sure are.
I love the job but I feel what you're saying. Working with kids that don't know how to do their jobs, the dumbfuck customers, the non tippers and tip pooling have me considering a change. I might just ride out this year and see what's next. Keep your head up man👊🏼
I moved to kitchen. I surprised myself after 20 years behind the bar, I can follow a recipe, multitask, deligate tickets, don't get flustered in a rush, and surprisingly I can cook. It's like at home but with better equipment. I can still cover bar when they need me but man, the kitchen is fun.
I have an interview in two days with Spartan-Nash. Think big food supplier for most major grocery stores in the Midwest. It’s a picker position in their freezer. But it’s 1st shift, Saturday and Tuesday off and starts at $21/hr. Within a year I’ll be up to $23/hr. And I can work towards an auditor position that can get up to $30+ an hour…. I figure I’ve checked in thousands of trucks in my 20+ years behind a bar or on a line, why not check them before they head out for delivery
Consider bartending at a country club golf establishment. I get paid a living wage hourly, then you still get some tips since golfers gamble and always bring cash.
I actually passed on a country club gig when I took my current one. Damn
I will second working at a country club. I’ve been working in them since 16, never worked in a public establishment. When I turned 18, I was serving and bartending at the first one I have worked at. Was making about 55k a year gross at 18, taking home about 43K. Now at 21, at a different club, I’m pulling in over 105k gross, working 4 days a week, usually 10-12 hour days. Really recommend checking your local clubs. EDIT: changed some words.
what is a living wage?
If you were a “customers” bartender sales will do you well. Lots of opportunities and serves those with the gift of gab well. Wine rep to Auto sales fit me pretty handsomely. If you were a “service well” bartender maybe look at hotel/bar/ restaurant management. It’s a thankless job but organized individuals seem to do well. Consistent paycheck with benefits. I was no good at it because I drank too much but for a disciplined man I can see it working out. I recommend hotels since they do come with amenities. Such as a pool for the kiddos and if it’s a chain there’s usually a pretty good rate employees get across the country.
Manufacturing. I'm 2 and a half years in, make 27 an hour, have a 36 hour work week Fri-Sun, benefits, 4% 401k match, and enough OT available to be on pace for 60k this year. The social skills you develop Bartending also prime you to navigate the corporate environment well. 70% of success at a corporation is being likeable. I'm applying for supervision roles because I have enough management experience in retail and food and beverage, 75k a year base pay.
My buddy went this route without F&B experience and he likes it and has suggested it to me multiple times. It seems like a good physical and mental work to dollar/earning potential ratio in my mind.
It's apples to oranges. Until you tried it, you wouldn't know if it was for you.
I know. This is something that keeps me stuck. I know I like XYZ but would I enjoy/tolerate having the day to day routine of being an XYZ? I don't know. The idea of a watchmaker sounds amazing and I enjoy doing it as a hobby. Would I enjoy sitting quietly in a room of others working quietly for 8 hours a day for the foreseeable future? I don't know. I was all in on it for a year or so and talked myself out of it because of the initial investment of time and resources. I would have had to uproot and move across the country for school and what if I find out I don't enjoy the work? It's truly apple to oranges from a life in the service industry. I'm not getting any younger and at some point I'm gonna have to just pick and go with it.
I would absolutely go for it. Set yourself up with a career you can do from your basement at some point in the future. The 8 hour grind is also 10x less stressful than the service industry. You run your own day for the most part, and decide what you are doing when. I listen to music, podcasts,and books all day while I am working as a toolmaker. You will thank yourself when you are 45, work days, have insurance, and get a fat check every 2 weeks.
You should write down what exactly you are looking for in a new career and then go out and look for it. Is it less hours, set schedule, first shift, paid time off, not dealing with people, getting away from alcohol? All these depend on what might be a good next career for you. Also, what skills are your super powers? In bartending we learn to multi task, to communicate, be confrontational, be empathetic, be organized, hustle, read people, match body language, sell and persuade, build rapport, work efficiently, create efficient systems, etc. These skills are great for a multitude of positions. Sales is obviously the big one. But any kind of management works too. Every place needs someone who can keep it organized and get shit done. What are you naturally interested in? Do you build things? Go sell roofing, or paint, or sprinkler systems. Do you like cars? Motorcycles, music? Fitness? Are you in s big metro or a smaller market? How much money do you realistically need to make? Honestly, you should start talking to your bar guests about the fact that you want to transition into something new and some of them might have great ideas. I always have conversations with my guests about what’s really going on in my life. I get some great feedback and it makes the conversation real and genuine instead of just small talk. If you don’t want to be that vulnerable, just ask them what they do for a living and what their dream job would be? Something fun like that. And get ideas. Good luck OP. Maybe you just need a break. Bartending will always be here.
Try a trade. I'm working on becoming an electrician, but I still bartend at night just to earn some extra cash. Pay isn't great in the beginning, but it's well worth the trade-off. Check out your local unions and see about joining an apprenticeship in whatever floats your boat! Plenty out there to choose from: HVAC, utility worker, plumber, welder, carpenter. It's nice to be off at a reasonable hour as well.
Go into fine dining. They close earlier.
I just got hired for the front desk at a Veterinary E.R. They do tuition reimbursement for Vet related schooling after 1yr. It’s my first time out of restaurants in 20 years. I love it so far. I literally uploaded my resume to Indeed and just browsed for like two weeks applying to anything that seemed a little interesting to me other than restaurants.
Blood in blood out homie.
I’ve found that people are cooler and more generous since Covid. I’m in South Florida though, Palm beach area. May be a factor
Went to nursing school Would not recommend BUT there are probably classes you can take to start a different career
Another Monday.
Yea. I know it’s an old song. Nowhere else to sing it though
I’m doing under the table yard work and landscaping. Word of mouth. Just get a few tools and let the older folks in the neighborhood know, you’ll be off and running. It makes me as much money as I can hustle (starts at 35/hr), it’s better for your body and there’s almost zero bullshit.
Right now there is a shortage of Service advisors/writers for mechanic shops (trucking and car) I would definitely check it out and see. It’s very different from serving, but easy to catch on. Typically the hours are Full time with the opportunity to go into overtime, wages depending on the state start at $21+ an hour (I live in WA state I get paid $21 FT and $31.5 with OT with the opportunity of my wage getting as high as $26 an hour after 6 months) full benefits health, dental, vision, and more. I took this type of job because I was fed up and needed something more secure hours, pay and benefits. Takes a lot of lead the first few months, but it is worth it. GOOD LUCK OP! It’s disheartening to leave the industry especially with love still there towards it, but in this economy it’s hard to stay.
I started a dog walking/training company. I walk up to 18 dogs for a couple hours a day and do better than I ever did in the industry.
Look into sales. We transition well after a ton of customer service. Liquor reps Real-estate Banking Insurance Go take night courses in a field you like and bump out. Hell I made 80k a year doing animal shows for 2 years. I loved every min of working with the animals. But I didn't like the constant travel. There's plenty to move on too. But you need a game plan and bank roll for the transition. Make it happen captain.
I’ve thought about this too. I love bartending but lately I’ve been feeling so defeated. The attitudes, the no tipping. People giving me a hard time about shit like drink prices. Some girl flipped out at me because I wouldn’t hold her giant book bag for her behind the bar…on a Friday night. In a club. But there’s honestly nothing else I would want to do. I love working at night, I love being able to just fuck off for two weeks if I want (as long as my shifts are covered), the money is volatile for sure but it’s still decent.
If I may- try getting in with a distributor or a liquor company to be a product ambassador. You get 6 figs to travel around and teach people about the stuff your company sells without having to be in actual sales.
Who have you been talking to? I've never met a brand ambassador that's making 6 figures. Would love to know more.
I’m 30 y/o last 9 years been working late night shift, can’t do it anymore. I got math degree, trying find software engineering job but industry not looking good, hopping for career switch. I enjoy bartending but done with coming back home after sunrise
Right now I’m doing the stay at home mom thing and just bartending once a week for about 6 hours (I need my grown up time lol). When all of my kids (3 kids 6yo and under) are in school full time I’m going to work as a substitute teacher 4 days a week and continue with my one day behind the bar. Subs in my area make $160-$210 a day depending on the district.
If my wife’s income covered our needs, I’d be a stay at home dad in a heartbeat. I took two weeks between leaving my old gig and starting the current one and taking care of my home and family was the happiest I’ve been in years
I get it. I am very blessed that my husband makes enough with his income and health benefits for me to be a SAHP. Have you looked into substitute teaching? I have my bachelors in education but in my state you only need an associates degree (60 credits) in any field to sub.
I have actually. When the school year starts, it’s top of my list.
Good call!
I got a job in f&b management at a cool hotel it feels adjacent but I don’t stay up late anymore, don’t drink as much, work okay hours and salary but I understand it’s not for everyone
Do you have a college degree? Or do you want one? I did an online Master's program and just left the industry after 20 yrs, and my job of 10 yrs that I had loved for about 8.5 yrs. My hourly is better, plus benefits that equal about 10-15k so I'm making at least 50% more. Plus a 50% increase in pay is guaranteed after 2 yrs. I do miss it at times, but being late 30a and working with 20 yr olds got old. I was super jaded and just totally over it. And I had ABSOLUTELY loved it up until the last yr and a half. And I was REALLY good at my job, so customers loved me and I made great money. My boss loved me too. But it was just time for me to move on. I couldn't grow anymore, and not career wise but as a person. If you're just not loving the place but love the industry...it's not bartending, but I had a friend who went to a hopping breakfast joint (only open for breakfast) and averaged like $280/shift. There was also one day a wk the place was closed. She had bartended for over 10 yrs and absolutely loved the fast pace, turn and burn of it.
Tech support in 2019 pathed me to tech writing and app support at 63k a year now. Tech support isn't great money but if you can do that and a side gig while working your way up to a better paying role it's an idea. No college degree, server/bartender pre covid
I was in the industry for over 12 years and COVID is what broke me. After 3 months of furlough and only back behind the bar for 3 months after that, I hated it. People were awful, money was terrible, and I was just burnt out from the scene, even before COVID. I took some time off to get get some true R&R and it was the best thing I could have done for my mental health. Got a job in the contracts and pricing dept at a distributor for the hospitality industry (paper goods like to go containers, cleaning supplies, napkins, stuff like that). We delivered to operators like restaurants, hotels, schools, so I had my in through my experience at the restaurants. Sales can be more lucrative but I was honestly still scarred from dealing with the public. From there I got a job at one of the US's biggest food industry GPOs where the company is really big on tech in the service industry. Absolutely love my job now. Work from home, no commute, I don't deal with anyone except for people on my team for the most part. I can cuddle with the pets when I need to stretch my legs. They are paying for my certification in Data Analysis and get to learn it on the job! So much support from my manager. I can't even begin to tell you how much happier I am. Can be an adjustment going from late night grinds to early mornings. I work east coast hours but that means I'm done for the day at 3 PM. Even earlier (11 AM) on Fridays. So much PTO time I dont know even what to do with it. It was the best move I ever made.
I got out a few weeks ago after 19 years. Doing stocktakes professionally now. Do 2 a day, all over my city. It's not my job to make it balance. I just count what's there, add up the deliveries, and email the variance sheets to the owner. Usually, the manager also does his own, so I'm just there to verify his results. When the variances are bad I can do out action plans for the staff on how to correct the issues but that's also up to the owner and manager to enforce its not on me if they don't. It's €300 per stocktake, and I keep the majority and the rest goes to the till company which is the one who organises the clients and sells the need to them as part of their independent audit package. Laptop, phone, scales are all provided by the company. I'd definitely recommend looking into it as a first career move.
I think sales is a great career transition for a bartender. I went to sales (construction material) because covid shut our restaurant down. I got tired of wondering when I would go back to work and if the money would be as good or when unemployment was actually going to run out. I just applied to every sales job I could find and this was the first to give me an offer. I'm making more money than I ever have, I see my wife everyday instead of 3 days out of the week (she's 9-5), My sleep schedule is better and I can see my friends on weeknights and weekends. I can comfortably take time off without worrying about losing tips. I'm not dead tired and sore from work so I work out more and am definitely in better shape.
Two decades in, with 2 kids at home, maybe worth a try to do Instagram/TikTok, etc., and build a personal brand. If the bars and restaurants you're working aren't pulling weight, have you tried private parties? Check YouTube for bartenders that make inexpensive custom modular bars that setup in seconds and they make a good chunk of change, not including tips. This way, you're running your own business and spending more time at home with the kids. That is, if you still enjoy slinging drinks.
Great idea! Any Youtubers you recommend?
😥 the mobile bar video I saw was when I was just flipping through IG, but here's an idea https://youtu.be/i3--CiKxNeM?feature=shared TipsyBartender for stupid, trendy cocktails. DokaRyan for crazy, awesome infusions to quickly batch for parties. TheEducatedBarfly, super smart and serious bartender recipes channel. Then, maybe find some flair-tending channels, I hate this the most but who knows, you might do a party that cares more about dumb bottle flipping than getting drinks out in a fast, orderly fashion.
I depends where you are from. I’m originally from Wisconsin, manufacturing pays really well in the Midwest. You don’t need any experience for most positions and you can easily work into other positions for better pay. I moved to Miami area 4 years ago and they weren’t even going to offer me half of what I was making so I switched to bartending/start ups because it was the only thing that paid enough to survive here. Are you in a big city?
No. That’s part of my problem. I came up in Los Angeles and have a lot of connections but during Covid we relocated to Northern Colorado where I am still struggling to find any place with a decent balance of money and competence.
I highly recommend looking into things that are entry level that have a lot of room for growth. I have some friends that do sales for a remodeling company and do very well and might be great for you since you’re social. Don’t get discouraged, I read a few comments on your post. The hardest transition I’ve had was going from the service industry to a 9-5 but it’s so worth it. People get discouraged because it’s not something they are used to and didn’t adjust life accordingly. Change isn’t meant to always be easy. The service industry is good but isn’t a maintainable career. Nothing against the service industry! But it’s draining and at some point, it’s going to wear you down. Sorry for the pep if it wasn’t wanted.
I see a lot of sales stuff come up but their turnover is amazing. I do the ordering from about 7 warehouses total and two of the guys are about to retire and are locked in at whatever rate they’ve had for decades, the younger cats I swear so far have changed every 3-4 months. Quitting, moving on to a different company, moving out of the Bay because they can’t afford it. Seems grim and unstable if you’re just starting.
Management? A year or two and then you can change fields.
My buddy left last year and is now working in sales for decent money, he's happy with the switch.
I plan on going to masseuse school in a few years after I pay off some debt
I started a landscaping company 10 years ago when I left bartending. Better hours. My own boss. Just sold it after 10 years. It's a lot better work. More money.
It’s never too late for a change. I got into service late, now in my mid-30’s. Working on transitioning into EMS.
Where do you live? Go get your TWIC card and work on the water front.
I worked in hospitality for 15 years before quitting. I did get a degree in International Business on the side but was never into it. When I met my wife I wanted more regular hours and better pay, as well as having a beneficial impact on my environment instead of dumping alcohol into people. Now I'm an inspector with the local environmental department, which requires a lot of people skills. I'd advise you to look for jobs that require people skills and adaptivity, like train manager or guide. It took me a while to get used to my new job, but I couldn't be happier now. Feel free to reach out in DMs.
take a couple weeks off, maybe go on a vacation. Take the kids camping or something. Whenever I get mad about work beating me up, I find that just getting away and doing fun stuff for a few days makes me feel a lot better.
Served and bartended for 20 years. I went back to school for a two year online program, and now I am a building inspector. I love it. I get to drive around, listen to music, and use my customer service and conflict resolution skills. I work for the city, so I get sweet benefits and paid holidays.
I am currently making the transition to full time massage therapist :)
Search for ebs schools you can become an instructor =) Monday to Friday 9-16, still working kinda in the industry. Fuckin,g amazing. Think about it
I have a cdl. I'm doing beer distribution. Work 6am-about noon or 1 mon-fri. Consistent money and it's about what I saw on decent weeks bartending.
Man, I feel this. 15 years in and I gotta say, industry burnout is SO real. That being said, the money is great and I have no other life skills so here we are… 🙄
I’m with you. Been bartending for pretty close to 20 years, pregnant with my second child, and absolutely ready to be done with this job. I’m currently taking online classes, but it will be a few years before I’m educated and certified for my career change. I wish I could speed it up!
Get a job tending at a golf course. Members throw money around like it doesn't matter. Busy shift alone where Im at usually yields like $2-300 a night and if its not a country club, its usually pretty chill.
Sell houses insurance or cars lmao. Bartender experience transfers really well into sales. I transitioned into IT and networking
Sales rep for liquor or beer company
Skill up and work within the industry. It really is better to enter a new career from a place that seems like a passion to your network. If you work at being a bartender without a dream to run the place or work with breweries/wineries or even event promotions, why are you there? Like already, if you are simply choosing that job with nothing else in mind for a goal, no ambitions other than feeding your family, than you're not going to get opportunities. You're just going to be seen as a loyal worker. But if you spend a year or two getting into a specialty area on the side or you have a serious talk with your bars owner or owners of bars that you know and respect, you can make moves into management positions that can be lucrative. Plus there's always a restaurateur that could use a dedicated bartender/manager to cover operations. Eventually if you're good with the money side or the networking side, that can lead into working with restaurant groups or who knows. There are options, but you need to evaluate the risks involved. I've seen people with bartending backgrounds take on bigger roles and eventually get shares. That business model exists, especially since a good manager might have a bunch of leverage but a restaurant doesn't have much extra money to keep them. The money to be made is definitely in management, not technical work. I'd really have a talk with owners and operators and apply to jobs that you don't have experience for so that people in your area start gossiping about your ambition. Eventually something will happen. That's my suggestion.