Last Monday I woke up feeling antsy. Needed work behind a bar again, but jobs weren’t just falling into my lap. Grabbed my laptop, poured cold coffee from yesterday, and started digging.
Step 1: Online Rabbit Hole
Typed “bartending jobs near me” like some newbie. Big mistake. Saw old ads, sketchy gigs, total garbage. My buddy Dave’s diner popped up even though he closed last year! Felt depressing clicking through pages of dead ends.
Changed tactics:
- Stalked local bar & restaurant socials – Instagram especially. Posted “LOOKING” shots in stories.
- Checked generic job boards but filtered for “bartender” + my zip code. Still sucked.
- Actually called dive bars I knew. Three numbers disconnected.
Step 2: Boots On The Ground
Put on decent jeans and walked downtown Thursday afternoon. Hit 14 places:
- “We’ll call you” (never did).
- Manager sighs: “Apply online” (already did!).
- Two took my crumpled resume. Felt stupid carrying paper.
Saw a local whiskey bar with “NOW HIRING” sharpied on cardboard near the dumpster. Went inside. Asked the kid wiping glasses. He shrugged: “Uh… maybe try tomorrow?” My feet hurt.
Step 3: The Grind
Friday morning, made a spreadsheet like some nerd:
- Marked places I walked into.
- Names of bartenders who brushed me off.
- Noted follow-up dates.
Called every Irish pub within bus distance. One lady barked: “Send your resume to bartendingjob at…” Felt sketchy, but did it anyway. Got nothing back.
Step 4: Accidentally Working
Saturday night drank at that dive bar where I dropped off my resume. Saw the manager struggling. Glasses piled up, one guy mixing Mai Tais took forever. Walked behind the stick – “You mind?” Started banging out rum-Cokes. Showed off a lazy flare pour. Manager’s eyes lit up: “You free Tuesday?” Got handed an apron right then.
What stuck with me:
- Online stuff got me nowhere.
- Walking in? 70% blew me off.
- Being nearby when they drowned was pure luck.
- Showed them hands-on work, not a paper resume.
My advice? Wear comfortable shoes. Be shameless. Drink where you wanna work. Oh, and keep yesterday’s coffee – saves time.
