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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU to jack in a perfectly good job to go work in a bar?

18 replies

BoldKitties · 10/05/2017 00:00

So I have what's considered to be a 'good job'. But I hate it. It's tedious and the atmosphere/dynamic in the office is weird/ not very nice.

So I'm thinking of packing it in to do bar work. My commute costs a fortune, plus when I factor in the expected overtime, my half decent salary becomes a lot less decent. So working within walking distance, in a bar that pays a decent hourly wage, I'll be coming out with about the same amount.

I'm planning on saving to go back to University, in an area completely unrelated to what I'm doing currently. So it's not like my current job will give me an advantage when applying. In fact, working in a bar will allow me the flexibility to do some voluntary work that might help with my application.

Some family members have voiced that they think it's a dreadful idea. Though that's all down to being embarrased by me having to say I work in a bar, as opposed to in a professional career. But I love bar work, love the sociable aspect of it, and the not working office hours. And I'll be using my time in this job to save up for University.

So AIBU? I have an interview in a local bar tomorrow.

OP posts:

ChasedByBees · 10/05/2017 00:02

It sounds like you've considered the pros and cons carefully and you know what would be the best option for you. Go for it!

runloganrun101 · 10/05/2017 00:05

Really depends if you can get a job in your chosen industry post-uni. I personally wouldn't give up on your current job for bar work - it's still a professional job, still pays the bills, and gives you the all important experience/skills on your CV. No recruiter's going to be impressed by your doing bar work during uni because every student does that. But show them you were organised enough to hold down a 'professional' office job and the world is your oyster.

GrimDamnFanjo · 10/05/2017 00:08

Bar work is very hard, on your feet all night, rude and drunk customers...

Original poster

BoldKitties · 10/05/2017 00:13

Thanks, interesting to get some different perspectives.

There's no way I could do my current job while studying. During our busy period at work I'm expected to work 90+ hours a week, not to mention being available to travel at very short notice. It's completely incompatible with the area of study that I wish to pursue. And while I can't be certain, I think if I do well at my degree, it will be fairly easy to get a job.

Thanks for your replies. Food for thought.

OP posts:

Original poster

BoldKitties · 10/05/2017 00:18

Ah I know Grim. Spent years doing it when I was younger. I like being on my feet, and am well able to deal with rude and / or drunk customers.

I've had to deal with some stupid, messy drunks during my time bartending. I still really enjoy it though.

OP posts:

Pipsqueak11 · 10/05/2017 00:19

90 hours a week???!! Definitely pack it in that is crazy bad!

Annahibiscuits · 10/05/2017 00:20

Think it's a great idea. I would do the same, if my finances worked out like yours

HeddaGarbled · 10/05/2017 00:22

Plus no social life because you are working when all your mates & dates want to go out.

You say you are going back to uni. Does this mean you already have a degree? Does that mean you can't get a loan? Is it really possible to save enough for 3 years' tuition fees and living expenses from bar work? That's got to be about £60,000, isn't it?

RedJubbly · 10/05/2017 00:23

Your OP caught my eye because I did exactly that - although I took a substantial drop in wages. I thought it would be worth it to get out of the drudge of an office into the bar work which I already did at weekends and thoroughly enjoyed.

I regretted it when the reality kicked in of getting home late with pulsating feet, wet shoes and smelling of alcohol. I REALLY hated it as a full time job. I put up with it for 6 months and then started searching for office work again. Needless to say it was hard to find another job, in fact I got married and pregnant and brought up two kids before I got back to work again.

With hindsight I wouldn't do it, but that's just my experience.

KickAssAngel · 10/05/2017 00:23

The main problem with jobs like bar work is that there's almost no career progression, so they pay quite well at entry level but then stay there forever. But as you intend to move on to uni that wouldn't really matter. Just don't get stuck there.

I would also love the idea of living close enough to walk to work.

RedJubbly · 10/05/2017 00:25

in fact I got married and pregnant

Not necessarily in that order.

Original poster

BoldKitties · 10/05/2017 00:33

Pip, during our busy time easily 90+ hours. Plus many days in a row. One of my colleagues worked 30 days on the trot last season, working 12-16 hour days.

Thanks Anna, DP and I have gone through the finances, and we'd be just as well off if I took the bar job.

Hedda, I'd be working the same hours if not more in my current office job. I wouldn't really be missing out on nights out with friends (most of my friends work unsociable hours, be it in bars, or as paramedics, Doctors, Nurses, as carers, sound engineers etc). My DP works almost every weekend as it is. No, my earnings alone won't put me through University. But combined with DP's earnings, it'll be doable. I've spent the past decade supporting DP's career, so he's very adamant that it's my turn now.

OP posts:

FallOutTime · 10/05/2017 00:52

OP,

I clearly have too much time on my hands but did you notice that you posted this thread at exactly 00:00:00

The bar work doesn't sound that bad an idea My only advice would be to not bother discussing it with your amity members.

BrianCantsPants · 10/05/2017 00:53

No YANBU you only get one life, you might as well spend it doing something you enjoy
and good luck with the interview
Let us know how you get on

FWIW I did an Access course this year and have got a uni place in Sept. It's been the hardest year of my life, studying, working, raising 4 DCs and running a family home on my own. But I've done it and I'm so proud of myself.
Go for it OP xx

BrianCantsPants · 10/05/2017 00:53

No YANBU you only get one life, you might as well spend it doing something you enjoy
and good luck with the interview
Let us know how you get on

SparklyUnicornPoo · 10/05/2017 00:57

can you do a couple of bar shifts before leaving your current job? I loved barwork when I was younger, went back to it for a while recently after a few years out and found it a lot harder, the late nights were brutal and its just not as fun as it was, the pub banter and silly drunk antics i used to find funny just annoy me now and im pretty sure people were looking down on me way more than they did when I was in my early 20's (I'm 29 by the way so not exactly ancient)

HopelesslydevotedtoGu · 10/05/2017 01:52

What on earth is your current job, op? It sounds absolutely awful. I would definitely want to finish working there, working 30 days in a row, 12-16 days, not paid higher than bar work.... Unbelievable.

Whilst I wouldn't choose bar work myself now, it does have the distinct advantage over your current job that you just work your shift and then go home and don't think about it again.

Will you see your dh much though, if you work many evenings?
How likely are you to get a place on the uni course?
If you decide to return to your previous field instead, will you be able to find a job again reasonably easily?

runloganrun101 · 10/05/2017 02:00

90 hours in an office and 45 hours behind a bar are very different things. Are you positive you can't make your current job work?

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