Cocktails and Dreams
Toronto, ON
Female, 29
I work as a bartender at one of Toronto’s most popular bars. This is a job for which you always have to be 'on'. You see some crazy things, meet interesting characters, and grow a thick skin very quickly. I love my job.
YES!!! Actually…..HECK YES!! If someone tips me generously their face is ingrained in my memory for the night. Likewise if someone tips you poorly. You do not forget that face. Even if you tip poorly and walk away hoping for it not to be noticed, we see you. We know who you are. And we tell the other staff.
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A typical night I make about $200 in tips. My best night was $550. That is not usual though. The problem with bartending is that it is easy to fall into the bad habit of going to the after hours bars after work and blowing half or all of the money you make. Most people in the industry also do hard drugs to be able to work the long hours we work. A typical shift is around 10-12 hours with no breaks and running up and down stairs, hauling ice, changing kegs, etc.
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My super cool answer is: that never happens. The reality: I always keep my iPhone handy. Google is a saving grace, or I'll just ask the customer. If you order a drink and don't know what's in it that's your problem not mine! Ha. Our getting what I give you, and you sure as hell better tip me for my troubles. :)
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The biggest thing people need to know about is the hours. A typical shift goes from 5pm to 4am. You work nights and weekends which can be good or bad. You are working while all your friends are off work so its tough. The long hours and physical work is draining…. but I love it. I love meeting new people every day, I love sleeping in every morning, I love doing a job that is physically active and not sitting at a desk, and of course I love the untaxed money!! What I hate: Jerks that treat you like some uneducated lower class worker, working every weekend and missing out on parties with my friends, the monotony of the job, and the drama between bar staff. Overall….I have to admit it’s one of the best jobs in the world for a certain time and place. I love working as a bartender but I realize that this is not for life.
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Casino Dealer
Do you find casinos to be depressing places to work?
CPR Trainer
Just how effective is the Heimlich, really?
Toymaker
With all the high-tech kids toys, is there still a demand for traditional ones?
I have! But not in this bar. I once served Donovan Bailey (Canadian runner). He accused me of stealing his credit card when he couldn’t find it. He found it 10 minutes later in his pocket.
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Hands down..... No doubt about it because it still makes me laugh. I had a guy ask me if I am a lesbian. He was quite serious too. When I got slightly offended ( not that there's anything wrong with that) and answered 'no' his response was 'prove it'.
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Me... Nope. But absolutely other bartenders do. Girls are worse than dudes in a lot of ways and will throw themselves at guy bartenders. I see it all the time. Those guys could have the pick of any girl they want in the bar... As long as they're conscious enough to stay until we close. If you're a dude and you're struggling for a date, get a bar gig! My dating 101 for the day. ;)
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