Here’s a great question from Drew in Canada:

“Jeremy, Bought your book. Got a lot out of it. But I have a question for you…

I want to know how I can repair the damage that has been done by managing a bar. It seems that now that I have “Bar Manager” under my belt I am not wanted to just bartend anymore, they want me to supervise, cut costs, watch labour and my favourite catch thieving bartenders (we’ve all done it). But all I want to do is get back to the craft that I loved without the stress of management. So how do you recommend that I do this.”

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Here’s my answer:

Hey Drew,

So I see that your skills for bartending have lead to more responsibility. Have you discussed your dilemma with management? Let them know how you feel. If they need a bar manager, you could suggest they hire someone specific for the job and offer to train that person (since you’re obviously familiar enough with the procedures to be considered yourself).

If they decline. Then I would start thinking about other places to work. If your employer has no regard for your desire to just bartend and would rather “force” you to supervise against your will, is that the kind of place you want to work for?

Mention that you may have to start looking elsewhere for a job if they aren’t willing. If they’re smart, they’ll listen to you and grant your wish to just bartend. They obviously think highly enough of you to promote you to manager. And having you on board as a trustworthy bartender is better then not having you at all.

If you’re applying to new places. Perhaps leaving the “bar manager” positions off of your resume is necessary. If you’re concerned about that leaving “gaps” in your work history. Contact your previous employers where you managed and ask if you can list your position there as strictly bartender.

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Is Drew being “punished” for being a great bartender? Is being exceptional as a bartender a curse?

It all depends on how you look at it. While a bar manager’s duties are less glamorous as a bartender’s (and the take home pay often less), it can be a great (and necessary) learning experience for those who wish to own their own establishment one day.

For those who don’t want to stay in the hospitality biz - a management position will add much more depth to your resume for whatever your future holds. Managing inventory, keeping costs down, and leadership are all priceless skills that a management position will help you develop.

At the same time. There are many bartenders who don’t necessarily want that responsibility and would rather stick with their passion which is concocting fine drinks and dealing with the customers. While Drew would rather not take on the extra responsibility of management - it should be noted that the management position (while not the most glamorous) will lead to bigger and better things down the road.

Jeremy Sherk