Save the World?

So after taking a much needed vacation to Hawaii to see my friends and their brand new baby,. I started reflecting on my own life and why I do what I do for a living. Why am I a bartender?

There are all of the obvious reasons, MONEY of course, but I feel like there is something deeper.

For one thing there is this connection I have made with my coworkers, boss and customers. They are like a second family to me.

I have always had this very strong desire to be social and connected with the people of my community. Now I realize that the majority of the people I serve at my bar may not be going out and saving the world, let alone the community, but, there are those out there that are! The connections I have made slinging drinks have lead to me doing so much more! I have learned about so many different types of people and the lives that they lead, whether they be party animal, or mellow individual taking a load off, almost every person I have come into contact with has had something to offer me. A kind word, advise, a funny story, a friendship.

Besides being a bartender is never boring, there is very few days where I just don't want to go to work, but I never dread it, it's fun! And the opportunities that have presented themselves to me have been immense and the ones that I have taken have enriched me as a person.

I have become aware that here in America, bar tending is considered something you do til you find a "real" job. But for a me, bar tending has been one of the most REAL jobs I have ever had. It's rewarding, hard work that I can do it with integrity, because I know that at the end of the day, it makes me happy and I am damn good at it! I may not be saving the world, but hopefully I can put a smile on someone's face, and make their day that much brighter!