Being a bartender in college can be very stressful, but also very rewarding. My time working in bars and restaurant bars has had an immense effect on my life in a few different aspects. The pro's and con's of this career are relatable for anyone who has worked in the service industry as there are many constants.
The first, and possibly most important, aspect of life that is impacted by this job is your relationships both personal and professional. When a person is surrounded by a certain group of individuals all of the time, they are more likely to form a relationship. Most restaurants have a work crew that becomes a family. Hanging out with your coworkers outside of work becomes normal and these friendships are usually successful because they are easier to manage. You always know when your friends are working and visa versa. Not to mention, you will always have something work related to talk about.
For me personally, and a lot of others, these personal connections hit close to home because my boyfriend and I met through our old restaurant job. This blessing was not always sweet and cheerful. Often times when an inner restaurant relation has problems, it becomes less of a personal issue and more of everyone's issue.
Aside from matters of the heart, the professional connections that a person can encounter during their time behind a bar, or waiting for a table, is unparalleled. Whatever professional career you may be considering, treat all of your guests with the same attitude that you would your future employer because you never know who you are going to meet! When someone has a genuine first impression of you without the predisposition of that person's intention, they can clearly see a person's intentions.
Side note: The money made bartending can be so great sometimes it tempts one to not feel the need to finish school. You can make more than most young professionals.
On opposition, although rewarding, bartending in college can be very stressful at times. The thing that has been the most challenging for me is time management. Working until the early hours of the morning and then having to go to school the next day on small, inefficient hours of sleep is not ideal for a student. Also, the nightlife can instill bad habits in its victims. During my time working in the service industry, I have had more things to do every night of the week than I ever would without it. But the temptation of going out on school nights is very real.
In short, if you are considering a job in the service industry during your time in school, you should know that it pays the bills while potentially benefiting your future, and can be a little invasive and stressful at times, but if you need a job during college, this is one the most pleasurable experiences you will have in young adulthood.
