Is Bartending Fun? (Truthful Guide!)

Bartending is a popular occupation that is growing year after year all around the world, and for good reason!

This job is one that many enjoy and find great pleasure in. It’s perfect for those that enjoy nightlife and it can be quite lucrative when tips are involved.

Whilst bartending is undoubtedly not for everyone, it’s a rewarding job that could be exactly what you’re missing to spice up your life.

Bartending doesn’t require a whole bunch of qualifications either, so it’s perfect for those looking for a side job or something that they can get into quickly.

But regardless of the ease of entry, what good is a job if it’s not fun and enjoyable?

Today, we’re going to answer a question that many aspiring bartenders are eager to learn the answer to. “Is bartending fun?”

YES, bartending is incredibly fun! If you’re someone that’s looking for a fast-paced work environment, the chance to be social and make new friends, bartending could be the perfect job for you.

Is Bartending Actually Fun?

Bartending is perhaps one of the most fun jobs out there, so long as you’re a people person and enjoy customer service.

Granted, it’s not for everyone. But working in a close-knit team, listening to music, and interacting with people can be a fulfilling gig for many.

It also largely depends on the type of bar you work in. Are we speaking about a lively city bar with house music on weekends and live music on Sunday nights?

Or is the bar located in the middle of nowhere and has a grand total of 5 people passing through asking for nothing more than directions out of town?

The type of bar you work in plays a big role in how fun work will be, so be sure you pick the right bar that fits your personality type before you embark on your bartending journey.

>> Read more: Are bars dangerous?

Why Is Bartending So Fun?

Working in bars can be fun for a number of reasons.

My favorite aspect of bartending is serving people from all walks of life and establishing a relationship with regulars. You start to build a connection with locals and share stories with one another.

I also LOVE music, so working on Sunday nights and listening to live bands play was a dream come true. Whilst this does mean working weekends, I enjoyed the work so much that it really didn’t phase me.

Bartending is fantastic for networking and you’ll meet a range of different people from all walks of life. I met some of my closest friends whilst bartending whom I still speak to this day.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Bartending is hard work and you’ll often not finish work until the early hours of the morning and that’s after you’ve scrubbed the floors and cleaned toilets.

That said, it’s a fun job that for many doesn’t feel like work at all. Time flies when working the bar, and if you’re working in a city bar then you’ll be rushed off your feet, but that’s a good thing.

Getting stuck into bartending will not only pay dividends with cash, but you’ll also develop your social skills and make friends that you’ll keep in touch with forever.

>> Read more: Are nightclubs dangerous?

Is Being A Bartender Worth It?

If you’re new to bartending and debating if it’s worth it or not then I can say with certainty that it absolutely is.

The experience gained through bartending is invaluable and transfers into your personal life as well as other career avenues you may go down in the future.

Getting into the role is easy and once you learn the layout of the bar and how to pull a pint then you’re off to a flying start (until the cocktail shaker comes out!)

After a few months bartending you’ll have developed your social skills, learned how to make a Pornstar Martini, and have pocketed yourself a fair amount in tips.

This is where GREAT bartenders get separated from the average. It’s no secret that bar work isn’t the most lucrative job in the world, but when you factor in the tips you can make in a single night it certainly ramps up.

The average salary for a bartender in the US is $26,094 without tips, but depending on your skills it’s not unheard of to end the night with hundreds in tips.

This is where the value of working in a busy uptown bar really comes into play. It’s unlikely that you’ll see $100 tips working in a deserted bar with barely any footfall.

Choose the bar you apply for wisely and do factor in the amount you can make on tips into the salary.

Are Bartenders Happy?

It’s fair to say that the majority of bartenders are happy in their job, but again this ties into the bar they work in and their personality type.

If you can’t stand the thought of being around drunk people and having to scrub a floor at 2am then bartending is probably not the role for you.

On the other hand, if you enjoy customer service, music, and meeting new people then you’ll likely be very happy working as a bartender.

It’s also important to factor in your stress tolerance as bartending is not for the faint-hearted. Sometimes you’ll be 5-deep at the bar and be completely rushed off your feet, but those who take on the challenge may enjoy the busy periods.

You’ll need to keep in mind your personal circumstances too as the hours are often unsociable and may not work if you have a large family to take care of.

>>Read more: Is bartending a depressing job?

Who Will Find Bartending Fun?

So what type of person is suited to bartending and who will find it fun?

Extroverts

Extroverts are outgoing, social people who ooze confidence and love being around and meeting new people.

They thrive in bar environments and can chat with anyone. Extroverts will love bartending as there are plenty of new people to meet and they’ll also be an asset to a busy bar.

Being able to hold a conversation with punters is crucial for bar work but also not being afraid to control crowds and keep the bar a safe and tidy place.

Socialites

Being social and bartending go hand in hand. They complement one another very well and if you’re in this category then I have no doubt you’ll love bartending.

Networking and meeting new people happen all the time while bartending. Opportunities arise, friends are made and good times are had for social bartenders.

Students

If there’s one thing students love, it’s alcohol… and lots of it!

Students and bar work are a match made in heaven as it’s the perfect job to do on the side whilst studying. It also allows students to connect and meet new people whilst making some well-needed extra cash.

Moving to a new city can be daunting for many students, but bartending is a lifeline that ensures students make new friends quickly and have lots of fun in the process.

According to Zipia, there are 726,937 bartenders in the United States, and a big chunk of them are students. This really comes as no surprise as being able to earn and meet new friends is perfect for many students.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you now have a clear answer to “is bartending fun” and have a better understanding of this is the right path for you to go down.

Bartending is INCREDIBLY fun. You’ll meet new friends, make money (with tips), and develop your social and interpersonal skills in the process.

However, if you’re someone who is introverted and doesn’t like the idea of a busy bar then this probably isn’t the right career choice for you.

But don’t let that put you off, give it a go and try it out. The thing about bar work is that it’s often easy to get jobs as busy bars are always looking for staff so there is really nothing to lose.

Students, extroverts, side hustlers, and night workers will LOVE bartending. It’s fun, quite easy and pays very well (if you’re good!).

Thanks for taking the time to read this post and I hope you’ve enjoyed it.

Catch you in the next one!