So recently, I have decided to take on a side gig out of my wheelhouse to earn some extra cash. Why you may ask? Because who doesn't need a lil walking around money? A dear friend of mine needed someone to fill in a bar back position. I have not worked in the commercial food industry since my brief high school stint at the Outback Steakhouse, but I was willing to give it a try.
I had been looking for a mindless job for a while now. Something completely separate from work that I can just go in, work, and leave with my money. Something simple and simple it is. I could not bear to bring myself to get back on the ambulance and force myself back into a life of sleeplessness, lizard slinging, and drama(not that the restaurants don't have their drama, but it ain't like ems).
The work is back breaking. But quite humbling. Lifting kegs onto shelves, cleaning the bar, bussing, restocking, and more cleaning keep you busy. The breaks come when you take the trash out to the to the dumpsters and briefly converse with those also seeking a quick break of fresh air and temporary salvation from the depths of the customer service wormhole. But at the same time it's exciting. It's not dealing with life and death. I don't have to worry about peril at every turn. People all have their reason to be at the bar. And I personally love being able to witness the events that bring them there. It's a honor to have a front row seat to this side of human behavior.
The effect of this work behind the bar has drastically cut down on my drinking, in that I haven't had the energy or motivation to have a drink. Not that it was a problem or that you can say it wasn't a problem. (You can't physically say that you "don't have a drinking problem", without giving the appearance you have a drinking problem. Go ahead. Try saying it out loud, it can't be done).
One thing that is the most eye opening is seeing perspective of the world from the other side of the bar. You never really see how sloppy people get until you're the sober person watching them. The most comical are those trying to score at the bar. These strangers are not into you, but I admire your admiration and courage to try anyway. Cheers to you mate.
The upsetting part is that sometimes I cannot do more because I am simply just a bar-back. The lowly laborer of the nightlife industry. I'm sorry you have to wait a few extra minutes for that drink. But someone is on the way. Fear not. Your continued consumption is only a few minutes away.
The nights are long and they leave me tired and sore. But I leave with a shit ton of singles in my pocket and having cash that your able to stash away is a nice feeling. Granted I'm not around as much as I'd like, but it's allowing me to take on something to distract me from the daily life, make some extra cash, and work with a bunch of what seems to be really good people.
However I am highly suspect of a few... that or they are suspect of me... it's going to turn into a Mexican stand off. I can feel it. Either way, I'll see you at the bar, I'll clean your glass and remove the trash.
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