Does anyone here have experience with working in this field? I'm mostly interested in working as a bouncer at nightclubs. And what about working as a bartender? Which one is better?
Working as a bouncer and bartender
Tough to give an answer without a description of your personality and build.
Bartending carries more responsibility, but pays more. Bouncing can pay decent, depending on if you're given a cut of the bartenders tips. Bouncing gives you more freedom to run around the bar and game chicas. Cleaning up at night sucks for both.
I did both and hated working behind the bar. Bouncing was more fun, if you don't work in some shithole that has fights every night. And yes, if you got some game pussy will be easy.
I did both and hated working behind the bar. Bouncing was more fun, if you don't work in some shithole that has fights every night. And yes, if you got some game pussy will be easy.
Yeah Im leaning more towards bouncing. I hear the pay is good too.
depends on the bar - bouncers working in places that tend to have a line can pocket a fair amount of cash from people greasing their way in
I've thought about getting into "security" too, I've been told I should by a more then a few people, I've been told its not the easiest gig to get into though, that you gotta know someone that knows someone, ect.
Quote: (09-26-2011 04:55 PM)Chad Daring Wrote:
I've thought about getting into "security" too, I've been told I should by a more then a few people, I've been told its not the easiest gig to get into though, that you gotta know someone that knows someone, ect.
Like everything else.
Keep it in perspective though.
It is not as hard as getting a job at Goldman Sachs or Blackstone.
Quote: (09-26-2011 04:58 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:
Quote: (09-26-2011 04:55 PM)Chad Daring Wrote:
I've thought about getting into "security" too, I've been told I should by a more then a few people, I've been told its not the easiest gig to get into though, that you gotta know someone that knows someone, ect.
Like everything else.
Keep it in perspective though.
It is not as hard as getting a job at Goldman Sachs or Blackstone.
True, but I feel like most clubs or places worth bouncing at will want big dudes or cops moonlighting or people with prior training in martial arts/restraining others. 95% of guys will not be able to bounce. But if you can get it, it seems like a great way to make a couple hundred bucks pocket money every weekend and get a lot of solid numbers since they know you work the door.
It could get annoying though dealing with/serving hoards of drunk broads and douchebags. I'd rather be out on a friday night than bouncing.
I worked as a bartender in a nightclub for 2 years, during 2 summers and half of a winter in a tourist town that's only busy in the summer. The first month or so I thought I was going to die every night. The hours feel really long, you have to deal with drunks all night, you can't really leave to pee (no seriously hope you have a strong bladder), and you finish work in the middle of the night so your whole day is messed up.
Then I got used to it, and realized that I had never gotten so much attention from girls, and so easily. That I had never made so much money, and so easily. That I had never found it so easy to get into random house parties, after parties etc. My social life and finances were at the highest point in my life (I'm 23, so that's not saying a whole lot.) I must have slept with at least 30 different girls in the first summer, before I started trading quantity for quality. I also made 10,000$ canadian in tips in august. The rest of the year was a LOT less (I made <1k$ all winter combined), but still, that's amazing for one month.
I would really recommend it for the experience. Girl's eyes still light up when I tell them I used to bar-tend at a nightclub, and I have lots of cool stories from the time.
Then I got used to it, and realized that I had never gotten so much attention from girls, and so easily. That I had never made so much money, and so easily. That I had never found it so easy to get into random house parties, after parties etc. My social life and finances were at the highest point in my life (I'm 23, so that's not saying a whole lot.) I must have slept with at least 30 different girls in the first summer, before I started trading quantity for quality. I also made 10,000$ canadian in tips in august. The rest of the year was a LOT less (I made <1k$ all winter combined), but still, that's amazing for one month.
I would really recommend it for the experience. Girl's eyes still light up when I tell them I used to bar-tend at a nightclub, and I have lots of cool stories from the time.
Quote: (09-27-2011 02:01 PM)UgSlayer Wrote:
Quote: (09-26-2011 04:58 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:
Quote: (09-26-2011 04:55 PM)Chad Daring Wrote:
I've thought about getting into "security" too, I've been told I should by a more then a few people, I've been told its not the easiest gig to get into though, that you gotta know someone that knows someone, ect.
Like everything else.
Keep it in perspective though.
It is not as hard as getting a job at Goldman Sachs or Blackstone.
True, but I feel like most clubs or places worth bouncing at will want big dudes or cops moonlighting or people with prior training in martial arts/restraining others. 95% of guys will not be able to bounce. But if you can get it, it seems like a great way to make a couple hundred bucks pocket money every weekend and get a lot of solid numbers since they know you work the door.
It could get annoying though dealing with/serving hoards of drunk broads and douchebags. I'd rather be out on a friday night than bouncing.
Its supply and demand. Its a unskilled job but in an economy where lots of people want/need work suddenly it becomes skilled. When you've got bunches of guys coming back from the middle east with veteran on their resume and no job, who would you rather higher, him, or just a random big dude?
I will agree with G though, it is a matter of perspective, and just keeping your nose in the wind at all times. Never know when the chips will fall, gotta be ready to scoop em up at any time.
Bars don't like hiring cops as bouncers. It's a conflict of interest. Working security at concerts is a little different. You don't have to be a meathead to bounce, or Bruce Lee. Big guys can deter, but also aggravate. Remember, drunk dudes think they are 10' tall and bullet proof, and want to prove it. A good bar has a team of bouncers to resolve conflict. 4/1 is better odds, and will usually win before physical confrontation.
I got into very few fights. Fighting bouncers will attract the wrong crowd in less than a month. Talking them down is a better option, and doesn't disrupt the clientele. Psyop's, but drunk people are sometimes resistant.
My first job was working a shithole my brother had almost died in months before. Some tweeker redneck beat his face in with a piece of rebar. He almost choked to death on his own blood. I've seen the best and worst.
Also,as stated on the movie Roadhouse, "be nice". You might be able to be a dick in a Manhattan club, and impress the white collar DL boys, but in the South it can cost your life. Piss off the wrong person and they WILL follow you home, or wait outside the bar, or catch you in another establishment. Be an asshole and abuse that minuscule power, and you deserve your fate.
I got into very few fights. Fighting bouncers will attract the wrong crowd in less than a month. Talking them down is a better option, and doesn't disrupt the clientele. Psyop's, but drunk people are sometimes resistant.
My first job was working a shithole my brother had almost died in months before. Some tweeker redneck beat his face in with a piece of rebar. He almost choked to death on his own blood. I've seen the best and worst.
Also,as stated on the movie Roadhouse, "be nice". You might be able to be a dick in a Manhattan club, and impress the white collar DL boys, but in the South it can cost your life. Piss off the wrong person and they WILL follow you home, or wait outside the bar, or catch you in another establishment. Be an asshole and abuse that minuscule power, and you deserve your fate.
Here's my experience.
I was a bouncer for three or four years back in the day and I would never recommend it to anyone unless they are making serious money for doing the work. It all depends on staff, location, clientèle, etc. but the potential health and civil and criminal legal risks are just too great to justify the pay in my experience. And depending on your venue's policies regarding weapons searches, a knife or pistol can be concealed, very easily in some cases, and brought into the bar. This was in a smallish Southern city, so we found a few handguns but I am sure we missed a few too. Missed more knives I'd imagine. Luckily nothing came of it.
And FWIW I agree with Aliblahba. There's rarely a percentage in being an asshole for no reason, but there is sure as hell a risk. I worked at a popular place and would often get recognized when I'd go out so someone easily could have ambushed me at another bar. And I was the big guy on our bouncer staff, which meant sometimes I'd get fucked with by insecure smaller drunks. It's funny. But there was one guy on our staff who was about 5'4'' though and he was the usual stupid magnet, but he was also the toughest guy on staff. He'd literally give you the shirt off his back but he could routinely knock men out with a punch if needed and he was a former wrestler. It got to the point where you could watch the idiots approach him and almost feel sorry for them. If nothing else bouncing taught me underestimating people was dumb.
But if you're intent on being a bouncer I'd hang around the kinds of places you'll be applying to, if that's how it works wherever you are, and watch the staff. What's their attitude? Do they seem professional? Any trouble and, if so, how did they handle it? Do any have jailhouse tats or excessive scarring (I kid - I hope)? Do you need some kind of license to practice boucestry in your jurisdiction? Personally I got my job through a friend who worked at the place already and there were no real legal requirements, which I consider insane now that I am older.
Bartending seems like a much more tenable option to me, especially if you're extroverted.
I was a bouncer for three or four years back in the day and I would never recommend it to anyone unless they are making serious money for doing the work. It all depends on staff, location, clientèle, etc. but the potential health and civil and criminal legal risks are just too great to justify the pay in my experience. And depending on your venue's policies regarding weapons searches, a knife or pistol can be concealed, very easily in some cases, and brought into the bar. This was in a smallish Southern city, so we found a few handguns but I am sure we missed a few too. Missed more knives I'd imagine. Luckily nothing came of it.
And FWIW I agree with Aliblahba. There's rarely a percentage in being an asshole for no reason, but there is sure as hell a risk. I worked at a popular place and would often get recognized when I'd go out so someone easily could have ambushed me at another bar. And I was the big guy on our bouncer staff, which meant sometimes I'd get fucked with by insecure smaller drunks. It's funny. But there was one guy on our staff who was about 5'4'' though and he was the usual stupid magnet, but he was also the toughest guy on staff. He'd literally give you the shirt off his back but he could routinely knock men out with a punch if needed and he was a former wrestler. It got to the point where you could watch the idiots approach him and almost feel sorry for them. If nothing else bouncing taught me underestimating people was dumb.
But if you're intent on being a bouncer I'd hang around the kinds of places you'll be applying to, if that's how it works wherever you are, and watch the staff. What's their attitude? Do they seem professional? Any trouble and, if so, how did they handle it? Do any have jailhouse tats or excessive scarring (I kid - I hope)? Do you need some kind of license to practice boucestry in your jurisdiction? Personally I got my job through a friend who worked at the place already and there were no real legal requirements, which I consider insane now that I am older.
Bartending seems like a much more tenable option to me, especially if you're extroverted.
both are way hyped up...bartender is way better (usually better money), security is a fucking grind..i had resorted to popping pain pils before my shifts, to counter the back and knee pain from standing all night till 5am...plus all the drunks, and i don't like bein a dick to people who are just making innocent mistakes, oh and the random fight at 3am was no fun either, when you're tired and just wanna leave.
but i guess if you are young, and like playin the tough guy it could be ok.
but i guess if you are young, and like playin the tough guy it could be ok.
Don't know if anyone is still interested in this. Found a good Youtube channel manned by a couple of bouncers in Oakland, CA, who lay it all out, as well as interview other people who have bounced righteously. Even if you have no interest in this life, it is interesting nonetheless:
Sucker Punch Oakland
Not a bad overview video:
Bouncing pros and cons:
Quote:Quote:
Description
Sucker-punch is an ongoing series where Oakland Bouncers, East Bay Rats President Trevor Latham and KESFITNESS Owner Kewesi Simon, explore the physical and psychological tactics used to keep themselves safe while guarding the bars during their tenure as bouncers at various bars in Oakland, CA. Combined 35 years experience as Door guys, Trevor and Kewesi will Interview the most Bad-ass bouncers in and around Oakland California, finding out the secrets to their success in the industry, as well as, a few gems, stories to illustrate the complexities of the job.
Sucker Punch Oakland
Not a bad overview video:
Bouncing pros and cons:
“The greatest burden a child must bear is the unlived life of its parents.”
Carl Jung
I work as a bouncer occasionally at a college bar. Typically the nights are boring, lots of standing around, checking ID's, and telling kids not to stand on the furniture. I've had very few physical altercations. Sometimes it's best just to tell people to knock it off or you just give them a warning.
Most of the time it's boring. Yeah you get to talk with some people, hit on some chicks, and what have you, but you will also have guys and especially girls trying to push your buttons. If you are thinking about it, go where you want to apply and do some recon. See how the people generally act. Talk to the current bouncers. Don't tell them you are looking for a job, just listen to what they say. You can find out how rowdy the place gets or if management are dicks.
I've gotten a lot of numbers bouncing, but most of the time it's girls wanting to bypass lines, not pay cover.....just trying to take advantage
Most of the time it's boring. Yeah you get to talk with some people, hit on some chicks, and what have you, but you will also have guys and especially girls trying to push your buttons. If you are thinking about it, go where you want to apply and do some recon. See how the people generally act. Talk to the current bouncers. Don't tell them you are looking for a job, just listen to what they say. You can find out how rowdy the place gets or if management are dicks.
I've gotten a lot of numbers bouncing, but most of the time it's girls wanting to bypass lines, not pay cover.....just trying to take advantage
I work as a bouncer. Its ok money if you have no marketable skills other than being decently big. Unless you are huge and scary, people will try you. Its pretty much your job to be a dick, so dont think youre gonna make a ton of friends doing this.
Pretty much all clubs are ran by assholes so you just want to find someplace that is ran by a predictable asshole. If the job/pay is shitty, i just take hella bribes and sell wristbands to make it worth my time. ~30% of time I find either drugs or cash cleaning up.
I get hit on several times every night by the spectrum of girls. logistics are OK but you usually stay after club closes to help clean so you cant really leave with everyone else. Really easy to get laid if you dont mind girls in the 5-7 range. It has done wonders for my self esteem how much i get hit on though.
dont work at clubs where the majority of the patrons are minorities. white people are so much more pleasant trust me. insecure people are the ones who will make your life hell(short/ethnic guys).
Would reccommend everyone trying it out but it kindof fucks up your entire schedule if you have other stuff going on. all the big nights people are out partying, you have to work.
Pretty much all clubs are ran by assholes so you just want to find someplace that is ran by a predictable asshole. If the job/pay is shitty, i just take hella bribes and sell wristbands to make it worth my time. ~30% of time I find either drugs or cash cleaning up.
I get hit on several times every night by the spectrum of girls. logistics are OK but you usually stay after club closes to help clean so you cant really leave with everyone else. Really easy to get laid if you dont mind girls in the 5-7 range. It has done wonders for my self esteem how much i get hit on though.
dont work at clubs where the majority of the patrons are minorities. white people are so much more pleasant trust me. insecure people are the ones who will make your life hell(short/ethnic guys).
Would reccommend everyone trying it out but it kindof fucks up your entire schedule if you have other stuff going on. all the big nights people are out partying, you have to work.
Bartended for a few years at different places, from restaurant to lounge to nightclub to dive bar.
Easy pussy, easy money.
Long hours, can be a grind sometimes.
Have to get in the right places to make good money. Easy to get stuck working lunch shifts like a shmuck unless you know what to look for.
But easy pussy, I mean really easy. 4 years of bartending made me realize how disgusting women can be especially after a few drinks. If you only heard the absolutely scandalous things I've heard girls say and and seen them do after a few drinks... red pill forced down your throat for sure. You will eventually end up throwing away girls' numbers if you work in the right spots. I got bored of banging bar broads. But even girls that look like nice cute proper girls are complete whores after a few margaritas, writing their phone numbers on the credit card slips, along with some nasty but fun-to-read notes.
Good luck.
Easy pussy, easy money.
Long hours, can be a grind sometimes.
Have to get in the right places to make good money. Easy to get stuck working lunch shifts like a shmuck unless you know what to look for.
But easy pussy, I mean really easy. 4 years of bartending made me realize how disgusting women can be especially after a few drinks. If you only heard the absolutely scandalous things I've heard girls say and and seen them do after a few drinks... red pill forced down your throat for sure. You will eventually end up throwing away girls' numbers if you work in the right spots. I got bored of banging bar broads. But even girls that look like nice cute proper girls are complete whores after a few margaritas, writing their phone numbers on the credit card slips, along with some nasty but fun-to-read notes.
Good luck.
I was thinking about trying to become a bar tender for the hell of it. I want to make $500+ per night in a busy bar. I think I can do it. I would turn down most chicks, if not all unless they are dimes. Last reason to do it. Like the social aspect, thinking/working on your feet, dealing with pressure. Could be fun.
Quote: (09-26-2011 04:14 PM)Aliblahba Wrote:
Bartending carries more responsibility, but pays more. Bouncing can pay decent, depending on if you're given a cut of the bartenders tips. Bouncing gives you more freedom to run around the bar and game chicas. Cleaning up at night sucks for both.
I did both and hated working behind the bar. Bouncing was more fun, if you don't work in some shithole that has fights every night. And yes, if you got some game pussy will be easy.
I've never bounced but was recently at Celeste which is like a supper club and bar with a disco. Girl I was with got us in free but I saw the bouncer get 100 from at least 4 other groups in front of us, guy made $400 in less than 10 minutes, and I imagine that continued throughout the night. At an in demand club with a line I imagine they make a fortune.
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