9 Side Effects of Being a Bartender

2. Difficulty maintaining a regular sleep schedule

Irregular work schedules coupled with late nights make it hard to have a set bedtime. While one of the perks of bartending is having the freedom to sleep in, the inconsistency is still hard on your body.

3. Difficulty dating anyone with a traditional schedule

For some reason, 2 AM date nights aren’t so appealing when your partner has to get up at 7 AM. Opposite schedules can work if both parties prize their independence, but, in general, it is a tough situation to manage.

4. Lack of difficulty meeting people to hook up with

It’s great, if that’s what you’re looking for. But if you are a bartender who is looking for a more serious relationship, this can be challenging.

5. Development of a mild drinking habit

In any industry, it is important to know your product. Our product just happens to be delicious alcohol. Whether it is tastings with liquor reps or guests buying you shots, it is difficult to get through a shift without a drop of alcohol.

6. Development of a “bartender body”

Strong arms, broad shoulders, skinny legs, and a bit of a belly is a classic bartender body. Earned thanks to long shifts spent on your feet, lifting kegs, shaking drinks, and, perhaps, drinking more than you ought to.

7. The loss of all friends who do not work in the service industry

An unfortunate by-product of working nights and weekends is that it makes it difficult to coordinate plans with friends who have different schedules. The plus side is that you make a lot of bartender friends, ensuring you will drink for free any night of the week if you so choose.

8. A newfound love for Mondays

Mondays are usually our day off, so it’s our Friday.

9. An increase in judginess

Tending to the boozy needs of people for a living makes you quick to label them. It isn’t always intentional, but after serving enough customers, it becomes tempting to make snap judgments, especially about their drink orders.