Is bar work stressful?

Asked by: Bryon Dibbert MD  |  Last update: December 20, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (42 votes)

Bartending can be a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, with customers expecting quick service and attention to detail. This can be stressful for bartenders, especially during busy periods. Bartenders may encounter difficult customers, such as those who are intoxicated, rude, or demanding.

Is bar staff stressful?

You need to be confident and hardworking as well. Working behind a bar, you might think it's easy pulling pints for hours on end. But it's often stressful, especially on busy shifts. Making sure you don't mess up is essential, as you don't wanna ruin the shift for everyone else.

Is it hard to learn bar work?

Becoming a bartender isn't an easy road. When you first start out, you'll have to be humble. Beginning as a barback and learning from a mentor are two things you can do that require no experience. If you're willing to learn and work hard, you'll see your dream come true more quickly.

How do you survive working in a bar?

8 must know career tips for new bartenders
  1. Tip 1: Learn the Bar (ask questions!)
  2. Tip 2: Be Resilient.
  3. Tip 3: Avoid Excessive Conversation.
  4. Tip 4: Collect Orders, Then Serve.
  5. Tip 5: Keep Busy.
  6. Tip 6: Remember to Clean.
  7. Tip 7: Remain Calm.
  8. Tip 8: Have the right footwear.

What are the cons of being a bartender?

The Cons of Being a Bartender
  • Long and Irregular Hours: Bartenders often work long and irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. ...
  • Physical Demands: Bartending can be a physically demanding job, requiring bartenders to stand for long periods of time and lift heavy objects like kegs and cases of alcohol.

Stress Tests That Went SHOCKINGLY Well 🏆 Bar Rescue

34 related questions found

Is dating a bartender hard?

The greatest challenge of dating a bartender is the schedule. Be prepared for nights on your own and weekend trips with friends instead of your partner. It doesn't mean that you won't see each other or travel together, but you will have more time on your own than if you dated someone with a similar schedule.

What is the hardest part of being a bartender?

The Challenges of Bartending

Firstly, it can be physically demanding, especially during busy shifts or when we need to lift heavy boxes or kegs. Secondly, it can be mentally exhausting, as we need to remember drink recipes, handle difficult customers, and deal with unexpected situations.

Can you be sober and work at a bar?

All in all, each person has their challenges in being a sober bartender. But the good news is, more and more people are pulling it off—and having very successful careers without drinking.

How long is too long to stay at a bar?

In general, it's perfectly acceptable to sit around for a maximum of 30 minutes after you've finished your last drink or bites, but after that, it's time to mosey on.

Can you live being a bartender?

You can make a living as a full-time bartender, but how much extra cash you have to spend depends on a few factors. Your earning potential is affected by: The state's minimum wage. Bartenders have a lower minimum wage rate than others due to tips.

Is being a bar back easy?

Make no mistake – barbacking is a tough job. But it's absolutely vital to our industry and to any high volume bar. And it's also a fantastic stepping stone to work your way up to a bartending job. If you work hard, pay attention, and try to get better every day, then you'll make a fantastic barback!

Can a bar make good money?

Profit margins are high, especially on alcohol. Expect to make anywhere between 200% to 400% on drinks. There are superb networking opportunities to meet people for both business and pleasure. You're your own boss and can live and work on your terms.

How do I get out of bartending?

How to transition out of bartending
  1. Assess your transferrable skills. Take an inventory of all of the skills you have from being a bartender. ...
  2. Look for internal advancement. ...
  3. Consider your career goals. ...
  4. Update your resume. ...
  5. Search for on-the-job training. ...
  6. Take classes. ...
  7. Adjust your cash budget. ...
  8. Give notice respectfully.

Do bartenders enjoy their job?

A solid majority of bartenders enjoy their work environment, probably contributing to overall higher satisfaction with working as a bartender.

Why is the bar so stressful?

One of the reasons people become so stressed when studying for the bar is because there is so much information, and seemingly not nearly enough time to review it all. Taking this all on at once is incredibly overwhelming. Break up your time, and the portions that you will study, into study blocks.

Why is working in a bar good?

Working in a bar or restaurant is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and make connections. From the customers who come in to get drinks, to the staff who work alongside you, you will get to interact with a variety of different personalities and backgrounds.

Why would a bartender give you a free drink?

One generally receives a free drink from the bartender either during happy hour, or when the establishment deems you've been a good enough customer to earn a buy back. The buy back usually occurs if you tip really well on the first few rounds of drinks.

What age do you stop going to bars?

The results of the survey concluded that 31 is the average age at which people tend to stop hitting the nightlife and that it was considered “tragic” to still be clubbing at 37.

When should a bar cut you off?

Ultimately, cutting someone off is at the bartender's discretion. In general, though, protocol says that if you spot someone who's over their limit, you should stop serving that person alcohol, hand over a glass of water, close the tab and call a cab.

Can you drink while working as a bartender?

Drinking alcohol during your shift, after your shift, or at closing time is not allowed. Drinking on the job impairs your ability to perform your duties. You are more likely to make mistakes in judgment such as serving underage or obviously intoxicated patrons.

Is it rude to sit at a bar and not order alcohol?

If you are not with anyone or in a known relationship then it is quite acceptable. No it's not disrespectful! Of course the bar would like you to buy alcohol because it's a larger profit for less work. In the meantime, check out the menus, prices and enjoy!

Can you work while drinking?

There's no one to answer to, and in many cases, no one even knows that it's happening. Having an occasional drink during work hours may not impact your productivity, but getting into the habit of drinking while working does more than just violate company policy. It can lead to alcohol abuse.

Can you be a bartender if you're shy?

Bartending suits people with outgoing personalities who are naturally friendly. On the other hand, maintaining a professional, friendly demeanor is a skill you can work on. If you're shy, put yourself in situations where you'll be meeting new people to practice.

What type of personality does a bartender have?

People with the ENFP Myers-Briggs Test Personality Type (MBTI®) are adaptable individuals that are well adept at understanding how people and groups operate and function. This innate gift can help make them natural fits for ENFP Careers like that of bartenders.

Do I have the personality to be a bartender?

Being social, outgoing, and friendly will help a bartender succeed, sell more drinks, and keep customers happy. Keep in mind that being friendly and outgoing are very important; the underlying job of a bartender is to sell drinks.