Actually, I know quite a few full-time 'tenders, and they make excellent
money. However, it's because they work a steady 11-7 M-F shift, and have
built up their lunch and happy hour business to the point where they're
comfortable that they won't have a "slow" day. I think it's great for a
little while, but I only know of a couple corporations that offer benefits,
and none that offer retirement or anything like that. The Winking Lizard, for
instance, seems to be a great place to work. In management or full-time
positions, you're offered full benefits and a very hefty salary, but that's
the only place I know of that offers that kind of potential to service staff.
Full-time is hard to snag, too - that slot is usually filled by someone who's
been established with the place for a good amount of time and who has his/her
own clientele built up.
If I were you, I would ask around with current bartenders you know and see if
there's any openings in a place you would want to slide into during the week.
Full-time may be a long way off, but a foot in the door is most important.
But if you mean working full-time at night, I don't know anyone who's worked
that, personally, so I can't say. Good luck, though. :)
The fact is that I love to tend bar and prefer it to my current full
> time job. Since my job is coming to an end I'm thinking about
> exploring the idea of bartending as my employment. I've been
> bartending on weekends for twenty some odd years for extra money at
> various catering houses. Is it possible to find work that pays well
> enough to pursue this idea? Perhaps in NYC? Are unions available to
> seek advice? Does anyone know the best way to approach this idea?
> Thank you.