if i were you i would work as a server in a restaurant and try to get trained
as a bartender asap. In an environment like a restaurant you can be very busy
or just a normal pace, which is great for learning the bar business. Club
work is probably the hardest, incontrast catering is probably the easiest.
I've worked in all 3 and this is just my opinion...anyone can argue different.
I think you should go for a restaurant job, but if you are stuck on this job,
take the barback job. By taking it you are left in a precarious situation.
being a bartender, its hard to find good barbacks, so when you find one, you
want to keep them as barbacks. This isn't fair to the person, but hey life
isn't fair. If i were you, i would take the barback job, bust my ass, and get
in good with the bartender. Express to them that you know your shit and offer
to help them. Put yourself in the situation where they'll test you to "see
what you got." when you're in good with the bartender, they'll want to work
with you as a bartender. Talk to your manager, ask your bartender friend to
talk to the manager as well, and before you know if you can be a bartender.
This is just a hypothetical situation but in my opinion, nothing beats out
desire, hardwork and dedication. make sure you have the bartenders wanting
you as a bartender..if not, you're going nowhere.