This was one of the hardest pieces for me to write. i put a lot of work into it due to struggling with detail. i feel as if i really came along in my writing and brought all the detail i wanted to get in. i was able to see if i really put in the work it showed in my paper.



As I strolled through downtown I found myself walking into a restaurant. I walked in with the hope of applying for a job, due to being unemployed for a few months before this moment. I don’t know what I was thinking, I was not even close to dressed for the occasion. My jeans were dirty and had many holes in them. The shirt I was wearing smelt like it had not been washed in days, in reality it was probably a lot longer than that. The door opened in front of me I realized the lighting was very dim. Thinking to myself this may come to my advantage I continued my way down the stairs to pick up an application. Still being nervous about my appearance I decided when I asked for an application I would tell them it was for my “friend”. I walked up to the desk, Unknown to me they lady at the desk said “Oh are you here for open interviews?” I was at a loss for words. I didn’t know what to say but I was desperate for a job, without thinking, I said “yes”. These were the moments leading up to one of the most interesting and fun jobs I have ever had.
                My day, as most people would call, starts around the time most people leave work. The time is 4:30 in the afternoon as I walk into work. The water is glistening into my eyes as I stand behind the bar. Getting ready for a shift is one of the most frustrating things about this job. With no time to waste you quickly look around. The first thing needing to get done is making a list of everything that is needed to hopefully make it through the night. You will need to quickly grab bottle after bottle seeing what is almost gone and what you will need more of.  You will then turn to the cooler and start counting the empty spaces where bottle beers should be. While in the cooler you need to make sure your checking how much fruit is left and if you’re going to need to cut more. Also checking your bottles of wine. The next step will show the importance of making sure you have everything you need. Take the list, which has now become a short story, find you way to the other side of the restaurant and make your way to the cooler. The trek to the cooler is not a short one. Once you make it to the top of the twenty- three stairs and realize you may need climbing equipment due to how steep they are. After making it down the stair you will head to the other side or the restaurant again. As you stand in front of the large, shiny metal door with you list in hand you will need to strongly pull the handle. This will turn into a daily workout as the door likes to fight back. The cold breeze of the door will blast you in the face giving the feeling of being in the harshest winter. Quickly grab everything on your list spending the least amount of time you possibly can. You will need to make sure not to forget anything so you will not have to make the trip again. Down the hallway you will see a small hinged door. Luckily you are able to load everything you need onto this mini elevator. Once you have collected everything shut the elevator door and push the up button. The elevator will hum loudly. The elevator will meet you back at the top at which point unload as fast as you can.

Finally your area is stocked and ready for the night. Now bartending requires a lot of focus. You will need to keep track of not only the customers at the bar but also the drinks your fellow coworkers need. Knowing where everything is makes the day go by much smoother. It is very important to make sure all the drinks you make are the same way you made them the prior nights. Your guest will expect something particular when ordering. If you start making thinks a different way the satisfaction level will drop greatly. Not only are drinks important but so is the other needs of the guest. Your guest not only wants a nice drink but they are looking for many other things from you as a bartender. People expect to have a “therapist”. They want to have someone to talk to while they are there. People will tell you about their problems and what had happened that week. Your goal is not to fix all the problems they have but rather lend an ear. While your guests’ talk to you just make sure to make them feel as though you are interested in what they have to say. In all reality they really just want someone to vent to. You will not always have the opportunity to chat but most people will understand. Once the dinner rush starts and your bar fills up faster than you could ever imagine your mind will have to be clear. People will be yelling left and right trying to get drinks. Always make sure you are being attentive and your night will seem like it ended as quick as it started. 
                Many people look at bar-tending as being a job that dose not seem super difficult. I have learned from the years as a bartender that it really takes the right mentality to achieve the highest level of competency. Sure you can jump behind a bar and pour liquid into a container but to keep people coming back. There is a lot to learn and many things you will have to learn as time goes on but hopefully these pointers will help reach the goal sooner than later. Personally I still have many things to learn. I enjoy every moment of the job so far. The stocking at the beginning is stressful and sometimes dealing with drunks can be a headache. If you ever find yourself with the opportunity to give it a try my recommendation is to absolutely take it.