Message 8412 of 22774 in Behind the Bar

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> Hi everyone,
> 
> I'm new to the forums, but have been reading some of the more recent 
> threads.  I'm aware some of you can chew up us bartending newbies and 
> spit us out in seconds, so I ask that you please go easy on me for a 
> few days.  ;)
> 
> I am 34 years old and don't drink, but want to be a bartender because 
> I'm sick of office work (call centers suck especially hard) and 
> really enjoyed working in restaurants when I was younger (I worked my 
> way up from being a dishwasher, then bus boy, to being a host, then a 
> server and even managed a fast food restaurant for awhile), but being 
> a server (or similar) won't really pay the bills I have nowadays, so 
> I'm hoping that I can use my outgoing and fun personality behind the 
> bar to make better money.
> 
> Do you think the fact that I don't drink would be a good thing or a 
> bad thing for a hiring manager to find out?  On one hand, I can see 
> it being good because they don't have to worry about me drinking 
> profits away.  On the other hand, I don't really have a true 
> appreciation for alcohol and what people might like the taste of, 
> etc.
> 
> However, I'm not above trying out some drinks to get to know flavors, 
> etc.  A sip here or there doesn't bother me.  I just don't want to 
> make a habit of actually "drinking".
> 
> What do you think?
> 
> Thanks for your input on this.  :)
> 
> Kelson


Hi Kelson. I think your experience and outgoing personality would make you an 
excellent bartender. I also began my career in the food service end and it 
worked great for me. Having that experience is very beneficial when it comes 
to organization. 

Hopefully you are not intimidated by the last couple of threads I started. 
Especially the one about newbies. It wasn't intended as a slam to new people, 
rather a discussion about my situation and my frustrations with that 
situation.....even though I LOVE my job :-)

Not drinking should not hinder you. I would guess that it would actually help 
you from management's standpoint. Especially if your willing to taste drinks 
to make sure they are built right. When you begin, ask your customers how 
their drinks taste. If they need adjustment, you'll learn quickly. You'll also 
learn quickly what your regular's quirks and special tastes are. 

Not drinking is a great quality as long as you understand that the business  
you are in is based on people who drink :-)