#but did get two bottles of wine for her and Jo while on her vacation

[mikereads]

“Hey you don’t want me to go? Fine, I won’t go.” - Jo

“You can’t back out now. Your name is already printed on your Nat cup.” -Blair

“Can’t you find somebody else?”- Jo

“You gave me your word, Jo.” - Blair

“All right, I’ll go but remember. It’s a favor. Not a date, a favor!”- Jo

[autumnwritcs]

heroexxs​

“Wow.” Alex said with a grin as he finished tucking in his shirt and fixing the color of his spot’s coat. She looked amazing, and there was this extra happiness that was filling his chest knowing that she was getting all ready just for him.  Too many times in their friendship he had to see her get all dolled up with some other guy and tonight it would just be the two of them. “What’d I’d do to get so lucky?” He teased with a smile as he too finished getting ready and went to wrap his arms around her waist. He’d have to make the rest of the night last, he knew staying another night might have both of their families and friends questioning where exactly they were. After a quick peck to her lips, he knew that they had reservations at the restaurant in the hotel and should start to head down. Hand in hand the two of them headed downstairs, and was more than happy to settle in on their first official date. To anyone’s naked eye it looked like the two of them were on a date so he knew that they were at least giving the illusion that they had been dating. “This is nice, don’t you think?” He said with a grin and went to order the two of them a bottle of wine so they could enjoy themselves a bit more. “I’m surprised no one has put out a missing persons for us.” Alex teased but knowing that everyone was recovering from their wedding. “Get whatever you want, I guess we have to head back home tomorrow but at least we can live it up for the rest of the night.” If this was the one chance that he had with her,he knew he wasn’t going to let a moment slip past him. 

Josephine grinned at Alex’s reaction, one she was hoping to get as she posed for him. It had felt so natural to get ready together, or rather spend the whole day together and even now, closer to twenty-four hours later, she felt she could go longer with his company. They didn’t need a buffer, other people to chat, reaffirming her thought that this was always the way they should have been; instead, they had lost many years but since there was no use into crying over spilt milk, Jo was set on making the most of their time together now. Fingers intertwined and arms brushing, they walked together to the hotel restaurant and they were just another couple on a holiday like many others already sitting. “It is. A place to remember for another holiday.” She mused with a smile while skimming the menu; the words just slipped from her, almost being a thought said out loud and whether Alex made anything out of them or not, Jo was actually thinking on them going out on vacation. “Well, the girls did ask why I wasn’t leaving them. Told them I wanted to take some photos since it was such a nice place and I guess they bought it because they didn’t ask much about it.” She shrugged with a grin. “Oh, we’re splurging, uh?  But yeah, we should end this escapade with a bang.” The brunette agreed happily. Until the wine arrived, Jo wondered how to word what she wanted to ask him. “So,” She began after a taking a sip. “I know we agreed today would be a carpe diem thing but the day is almost over and well, I don’t really want this,” she motioned with her between them, “to stay at this hotel. I know we live kinda far from each other but we could try some more dates afterwards?”

[psychosistr]

Beneath the Stars with a Star

Jonawagon Week- Day 5: Date Night

Summary: After their previous debacle of a night out, Speedwagon meets Jonathan for a much more low-key outing.

Speedwagon did one last mental-checklist to make sure he had everything he’d need for the night as he stepped out of the carriage, payed the cabbie, gathered his things, and walked towards the spot he’d told Jonathan to meet him at.

Hair properly brushed? Check.

Suit neatly pressed and cleaned? Check.

Basket for tonight packed? Check.

Running a few minutes early so as not to keep Jonathan waiting? (He checked his pocket watch to be sure.) Check.

Alright, everything seemed to be in order. Now all that was left was to get everything set out before Jonathan arrived.

He walked until he spotted the river bank and found the perfect spot with a clear view of the stars above them. “This’ll do nicely.” He said to himself as he set down the basket he’d brought with him and began to pull different items out of it for the evening.

Their last date night had been derailed due to an incident regarding some former acquaintances of Speedwagon’s, a fight, and the pair of lovers running away before they were caught by anyone. While they still ended up having a beautiful evening that involved dancing late at night in a park and grabbing a bite to eat at a less well-known but still delicious restaurant that was open late for all manner of men who stumbled in at the wee hours of the morning, Speedwagon still felt a bit guilty for being the indirect cause of their ruined plans. So, to make up for their previous attempt, Speedwagon proposed a bit of a do-over date- this time closer to where Jonathan lived so as not to risk running into anyone that Speedwagon knew again.

The plan this time was a late-night picnic by the river. Something simple, quiet, and romantic with just the two of them out in the middle of nowhere where they wouldn’t have to worry about being seen. Speedwagon had handled all of the preparations himself- picking the place and time, providing the food, and even arranging for a carriage to pick Jonathan up and bring him there so he wouldn’t get lost or arrive too early.

As usual when it came to Jonathan, Speedwagon fretted entirely too much to make sure everything was as perfect as it could be. He knew that Jonathan didn’t mind if something wasn’t perfect. He knew that Jonathan would be happy with anything they did or anywhere they went. He knew that he probably didn’t have to try so hard to impress the nobleman, but he WANTED to do so of his own volition.

Jonathan was an amazing man who had changed Speedwagon’s life in so many ways that he could never properly thank him for. He owed his life to the man and loved him more than he’d ever loved anyone in his entire life (though Erina was quickly becoming a close second, such a marvel of a woman, she was). Jonathan made him want to be a better person, made him feel genuinely proud of himself for once in his life, and that was something that the former thug felt could never be repaid even if he spent the rest of his life attempting to do so…

Just as Speedwagon finished setting everything up for their evening, he heard Jonathan’s voice calling to him. “Speedwagon!” He looked up and saw the nobleman approaching him wearing a much more casual outfit than he’d worn for their last date night- a more comfortable pair of pants fit for walking about by the river and a simple button-up shirt that was much more breathable than the one for his suit would have been. “I do hope I didn’t keep you waiting.” He greeted with a smile once he’d reached the blonde.

Speedwagon chuckled- leave it to Jonathan to still think he was running late, even though Speedwagon himself hired the cabbie that brought him here. “Not at all- you’re right on time, love.” He stepped aside to reveal the blanket he’d set down on the grass as well as the sit-upon cushions he’d brought and the small feast he’d prepared- mostly a bottle of wine, some breads and cheeses, a few fruits such as apples and grapes, some cured meats, and an assortment of small pastries he’d picked up from a bakery earlier that morning. “I know it ain’t a fancy opera ‘ouse an’ a gourmet dinin’ hall, but I think it’ll do jus’ fine, if I do say so meself.”

Jonathan gave him a fond, loving smile that sent Speedwagon’s heart aflutter. “It looks wonderful, darling.”

That simple comment and smile was worth every pound Speedwagon spent on their meal and all the fretting he’d done up to this point. Jonathan was pleased with what he’d done and that made everything he could ever do worthwhile.

They sat together and ate the small meal while talking about anything at all that came to mind. Jonathan told him about how Erina was looking forward to seeing him again and that all three of them should go out together again sometime, to which Speedwagon happily agreed. Speedwagon in turn told Jonathan about the new job he’d found in town and that, while it didn’t pay much, it did allow him to travel occasionally if he so desired- it was a small trading company that mostly dealt with shipments to America and Italy, but the luxury and thrill of travel was something he’d never turn down as he always enjoyed seeing new places.

By the time they’d finished eating and put everything but the blanket and cushions back into the basket, the two men had decided to lie back together and gaze up at the stars. Jonathan was lying on his back with his head resting on one of the cushions while Speedwagon himself was lying with his head on Jonathan’s shoulder, one of those incredibly strong arms curled tenderly around him to hold him close. Jonathan would point up at the sky and select a constellation and Speedwagon would tell him the name of it as well as any other places he’d been in where he’d seen those stars before.

“You’ve certainly done quite a bit of traveling, Robert.” Jonathan commented after Speedwagon told him a story about a trip to China. “I will admit that I’m quite envious of your experiences.”

Speedwagon turned his head to the side so he could look at Jonathan’s face a bit easier. “Well..if y’ wanna travel some time..I could show y’ ‘round a few places I’ve been, or we could even go somewhere new. I bet I could pull some strings at work t’ get us passage somewhere. Name where y’ wanna go an’ I’ll find a way t’ make it ‘appen.”

Jonathan turned his head as well so he could look down into Speedwagon’s earnest gaze. “Really? Well, a trip would be wonderful. Actually, Erina and I were discussing the idea of going to America for our honeymoon. The three of us could go there together for a vacation.” He suggested with a smile that grew more excited with each word.

“Sounds like a fine idea t’ me.” Speedwagon had only been to America in passing before and would like to explore the so-called “land of opportunity” and see if it was as great as the people there made it sound. “I think we’d all ‘ave a grand ol’ time there. ‘course, if it’s for your honeymoon, we can’t go there on the same boat- it’d look too odd bringin’ your best man along for a romantic getaway. I’ll see if I can go there through work or somethin’ an’ meet y’ over there.”

“Oh..right..” Jonathan’s smile fell slightly at Speedwagon’s observant suggestion. His eyes were cast downward and it broke Speedwagon’s heart to see his beloved look so disheartened.

He turned over onto his stomach so that he could lie on top of Jonathan and place a gentle hand on his cheek. “ ‘ey now, there’s no need t’ look so glum, Jojo. We’ll still get t’ be t’gether an’ ‘ave a marvelous time.”

“I know..” Jonathan sighed after a moment, his arms coming up to gently wrap around Speedwagon. “I just…I wish we didn’t have to be so secretive about everything. No one bats an eye when Erina and I go out for dinner or stroll down the street with our fingers laced, but if I tried to do the same with you they would threaten us with imprisonment or even death. It’s not fair at all…you’re just as important to me as Erina, why can I not show you the same affection and care I do to her without fear? There is nothing wrong with our love, and yet I know we would be condemned to a horrible fate if anyone found out. I do not care what happens to me, but I could not bear the thought of you being harmed because of me…”

Speedwagon’s eyes softened in understanding. He understood Jonathan’s pain all too well. It was a pain he’d dealt with his whole life, loving someone you know you can never be with publicly else they could be arrested or put to death. To the younger man this was still a new concept to him, as they only ones he’d ever loved were Erina and Speedwagon himself. Speedwagon, on the other hand, had had his fair share of crushes, flings, and relationships over the years. He’d dealt with the heartbreak of severing ties with someone for their own safety as well as the pain of being cast aside so the one he cared for could protect himself. He often feared the same would happen between himself and Jonathan one day, and, if it came to his own life and happiness versus Jonathan’s well-being, he knew he would pick the latter every time. That being said, he would fight fate tooth and nail for as long as possible to remain in Jonathan’s life.

“I know the feelin’, love.” Speedwagon comforted his partner with a gentle kiss to the corner of his mouth. “I’ve gone through this ‘nough times t’ know ‘ow much it ‘urts. Still..” He raised his head up so they could lock eyes properly. “I’d give up anythin’ in the world t’ spend as much time as possible t’gether. Even if it ‘as t’ be in secret, I wouldn’ trade these moments for all the riches in the world. I love y’, Jonathan. For as long as we’re both able, I ain’t ever gonna leave y’.”

“Robert..” Jonathan smiled softly up at Speedwagon, his eyes shining in the moonlight and it was hard to tell if it was simply their own beautiful glow or if it was from unshed tears catching the pale light. Either way, the look in them spoke louder than Jonathan’s own voice ever could. “I love you too, Robert.” He held the blonde tightly, but not painfully so, in his strong arms. “And I swear, on my life and pride as a Joestar, that I will never allow anything or anyone to separate us. If that means we have to leave the country one day for being caught or live as fugitives, then so be it. My heart knows what it desires and I shall not go against it.” He then brought Speedwagon down for a deep, loving kiss filled with passion and adoration.

Speedwagon melted into the kiss, twining his own arms around the nobleman to hold onto him tightly. He did not know what their future would hold. He did not know if they would be able to keep up this secret forever. But, there was one thing that he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt:

He loved Jonathan Joestar and would do anything for him.

If that meant leaving their home country or living a life on the run with just himself, Jonathan, and Erina, then so be it. He had friends all over the world that would help hide them if they needed it. As long as Jonathan wanted them to stay together, he would do anything in his power to grant that desire. They could go anywhere on this planet and it would be home for Speedwagon, as long as Jonathan was there with him.

So long as the stars burned brightly in the sky, they would find a way to stand beneath them together.

[cjwritesfanfiction]

There’s Something About Ruby

Summary: 

Usnavi is tired of Ruby flirting with Johan 

Authors note: 

Special thanks to @hamiltonhistory and @limpblotter for getting me sucked into this ship. [1] based off of an @limpblotter headcannon

  California wasn’t like New York. It was far hotter. The only time Usnavi remembered when his feet burnt this much on the sand was when he vacationed back to the Dominican Republic with Johan for his birthday seven months ago. California wasn’t as hot as Dominican soil, but it was pretty dang close. Another thing that was different about California was all the hipster tourists who either sunbathed on the beaches or walked around the boardwalk with a sparkle in their eye and some kind of iced drink in their hand. Sure, there were hipsters in New York, but they were easy enough to avoid. All you had to do was stay away from places like Times Square or Broadway. In California, the pest problem wasn’t mice or roaches, but rather tourists. But, the biggest difference between California and New York was Usnavi didn’t have the support of his family. California felt like a foreign land with strange people that Usnavi didn’t really know very well, Johan’s family. Now, this wasn’t the first time that Usnavi had come to California. He had been there twice before. During these visits, he met Johan’s sister, Rainbow, and her beautiful family. Jack was adorable, Diane made him laugh. He had helped Junior with his Spanish homework (apparently his spanish teacher didn’t appreciate the swear words Usnavi  had taught Junior), and Zoey was more than eager to hear about eccentric New York fashion. Little did he know, Dre’s family had also moved in with the Johnson family. Dre was nice and the two had a few things in common, however, Usnavi didn’t trust Dre’s parents at all, especially Ruby.  

The reason why Usnavi felt he couldn’t trust her was because Ruby turned down coffee. But, it wasn’t just any coffee. It was the coffee that Usnavi had brought from home and made himself. . . No good person would turn down Abuela’s recipe. It was at this moment that Usnavi knew that he had to keep an eye on this woman. The next thing, and arguably the most infuriating thing, was that Ruby couldn’t seem to keep her eyes off of Johan. On their first morning there, Usnavi woke up to the sound of Ruby’s voice radiating down the halls, finding Usnavi’s room, and promptly waking him up. She was making less than appropriate comments about Johan while he was doing his morning yoga. In New York, Johan would do yoga naked in their living room leaving nothing to the imagination. Usnavi’s eyes snapped open and he bolted down the stairs only to find Johan doing yoga in a tank top and sweats. Every day after, Usnavi would force himself awake at ungodly hours to make sure nothing funny happened between Johan and Ruby.

Ruby’s closeness to Johan didn’t stop there. The two acted like close friends. Over the course of the week, Ruby had tagged along on dates that were supposed to be exclusively for Johan and Usnavi. When they got coffee one morning, she had said nothing about Johan’s long, overly complicated coffee order, but she did say Usnavi’s order was too bland. At a poetry slam, she had cheered for Johan, her voice drowned out Usnavi’s own. Usnavi had tried to write a poem for Johan that he was going to say at the slam. But by the end of a night filled with Ruby shamelessly flirting with Johan,  he tucked the poem away in his pocket in a crumpled ball. Ruby’s overly loud personality and his own lack of sleep put Usnavi in a sour mood for the rest of the week, and Johan started to notice. Johan would try to give Usnavi affection, but he had shrugged off every hug, nuzzle, and kiss Johan gave him. Johan was getting desperate, not getting the attention he was used to, and planned on asking Usnavi to join him and Ruby for a wine tasting. He had turned Johan away exclaiming he had a headache. Johan didn’t know what to do. He was too scared of Ruby to turn her down, but he felt his Usnavi drifting away from him. Rainbow suggested that the whole family could go to the beach. Johan could talk to Usnavi in private there. After all, Usnavi loved spending time near the water and Usnavi was more than happy to get out of the house.

However, Usnavi was far from stress free. He was sitting on a beach towel watching Johan play chicken with his nephews and Diane. Diane and Jack were on top laughing and trying to push each other off of Johan and Junior’s shoulders. The scene would have been endearing, if it wasn’t for a certain woman’s voice breaking the serenity of the beach.

“Mm-mm, that Johan is looking fine over there without a shirt confining him like a prison.” She said fanning herself with a magazine. “Lord knows a body like that is sinful. Show me what you got, baby!”  

Usnavi turned deep red and pursed his lips in anger. Johan was his! Nobody else was allowed to look at Johan the same way Usnavi did! His fingers curled around Johan’s shirt and the towel that was sitting next to him and clutched it so hard that his knuckles turned white. He cursed in spanish under his breath as he marched from his spot in the sand to the water glaring at the woman commenting on his man’s body. A father covered his daughter’s ears with a gasp after hearing Usnavi call Ruby a “fucking puta”.

When Usnavi reached the water, Diane had finally managed to knock Jack off of Junior’s shoulders causing both of them to hit the water. Johan and Diane cheered for their victory. But when Johan saw Usnavi waiting for him where the water met the land, he playfully tossed Diane into the water and waded back to where his boyfriend was waiting.

“Navi, do you finally want to go swimming? I love swimming in the ocean.  You know, the salt is a good natural exfoliator for your skin. Plus, sea salt is a better alternative to corporate salt mines and-”

Usnavi stopped him by holding the shirt in his face. “Jo, put on a shirt. You’re going to get sunburned.” He muttered taking advantage of the fact that they forgot sunscreen.

Johan took the shirt and put it on after toweling himself off. He knew that Usnavi was upset. Usnavi didn’t realize it, but he really did wear his emotions on his sleeves. After a year, Johan knew exactly what to look for. Puffed out cheeks? Check. Not looking Johan’s eyes? Double check. Playing with his hands? Yup. Johan took Usnavi’s hands into his own and kissed his tense knuckles.

“Let’s get some coffee up at the boardwalk.”

Usnavi was about to protest. He was going to say something about how maybe Johan should ask Ruby instead! But, Johan knew Usnavi better than anyone and turned up the charm. He cupped Usnavi’s cheek and leaned down to kiss him on top of his head.

“Para mi, Navi? Por favor?” Damnit. Johan had been trying to learn Spanish recently when he had decided that he was staying in New York for good after a bitter fight between him and Usnavi. Hearing Johan speak his language, the language of everything he found special in his life, made Usnavi weak and found himself agreeing with Johan.

The two of them walked up to the nearest coffee shop on the boardwalk, a place called Coffee on the Boardwalk, despite Usnavi’s protests of there being too many tourists. After ten minutes, the two of them ordered. Johan got a organic, dark chocolate latte in a porcelain cup with a splash of almond milk, raw honey, shaken after being filtered four times, alkaline water ice cubes, and fat free soy whip [1]. Usnavi got a black dark roast. Johan gave him a sad smile. His Navi only got dark roast when he was in a sour mood. The two of them walked outside and sat on the patio furniture, so that they could listen to the sounds of the ocean. After a couple of minutes, Johan saw Usnavi start to relax and he reached across the table to hold Usnavi’s hand. He smiled softly and rubbed soft circles into Usnavi’s palm.

“What’s wrong?” he muttered. It was a conversation between the two of them. Private. Secure. Usnavi relaxed.

“Nothing.” Johan gave Usnavi a look. Usnavi sighed. “Alright, I guess I’m just upset with the way Ruby is looking at you. She’s stealing you away from me.” He stopped for a moment trying to keep it together. All of his troubles and worries he had been bottling up inside were overflowing and rushing out at once. A couple of tears escaped his eyes and slid down his cheeks. He closed his eyes and pulled his hand away from Johan’s and pulled them into his lap.  “This week was supposed to be special, Jo. I had a lot planned that didn’t work out. I was going to. . . Carajo. . I wrote a poem and everything, and she just-”   

Usnavi stopped when he felt a pair of strong arms wrap around him. He put his head on Johan’s shoulder and wept into it. All of the stresses of the week slowly rolled off his shoulders as Johan whispered to him in soft French that Usnavi couldn’t understand. The moment felt so intimate. . . Usnavi felt protected, secure, endeared. . . Usnavi felt loved. Once he had stopped crying, Johan wiped the lingering tears away with a calloused thumb.

“Usnavi, mon amour, I love you more than life itself and nothing is going to change that.” Johan rested his forehead on Usnavi’s. “You’re my Navi, and I’m yours. I would never let anyone take that from us. Je T'aime, so much.”

Usnavi wrapped his arms around Johans neck and pulled him in for a long, innocent kiss. “Te amo.” he whispered back afterwards. Ruby wouldn’t be the first woman to hit on Johan, and she wouldn’t be the last. But, no matter what happened, Usnavi knew that he was the home Johan would return to, and that would never change.   

[charllieeldridge]

Bartending Jobs: How To Save Money and Travel As A Bartender

Have you ever considered becoming a bartender so you can save money for travel? What about finding bartending jobs that you can do abroad? The great thing about bartending is that it’s an occupation that is needed worldwide, this is definitely one of the best travel jobs around. 

In this interview, we’re chatting with Geena (from Bartender Abroad) who is able to save enough money from her bartending jobs to travel 3 times a year, for one month at a time. One country per month is her general rule — long enough to really get a feel for the destination.

Geena’s upcoming trip is 9+ months long and required around 6 months of consistent saving (there’s some good money to be made in this career, read on to learn more). While she hasn’t needed to work while on the road, bartending is a skill she’s happy to have in case her travel funds run out. 

Read on to learn what it’s like to be a bartender, whether or not you need to attend bartending school, what sort of jobs are available, what the working conditions are like, and of course, how much you can expect to make.

First of all, tell us a bit about yourself. What’s your story?

My name is Geena and I’m a travel addict.

My number one passion is exploring this planet and experiencing all the unique cultures and traditions along the way. I grew up in rural America, was a first-generation college student pursuing a career in medicine, worked in some clinics along the West Coast, and then….I traveled.

Geena and her partner, Evan

Once I got the travel bug I realized that the only thing I wanted to do was immerse myself in this wild and crazy earth. So I quit my job and moved to Los Angeles. There I became a bartender, started travel blogging, and did some freelance writing.

And I haven’t looked back since.

Luckily, along the way I met my significant other, Evan, who is willing to put up with my constant need to explore and be on the move. More than put up with it — he encourages it and is always right alongside me.

Our favorite places we have been in the world (which I feel tells you a bit about us), are Indonesia and the Amazon Rainforest. We’re off-the-beaten-path adventure backpackers who would much prefer to be surrounded by wilderness than tourist traps.

☞ See Also: Workaway Program: An Insider’s Guide To Free Accommodation Worldwide

Tell us how you became a bartender. What made you decide to pursue this career?

It all came down to freedom! Once I decided that travel was going to be a major part of my life, my number one priority was figuring out how to make that a reality.

I needed to make decent money, have flexible hours and basically unlimited vacation days. In college, I worked as a server in a family-owned Mexican restaurant and the job had been quite lucrative. Bartending was the natural next step. And it gives me more of an opportunity to meet interesting people and talk about travel.

☞ See Also: New Orleans Bars: 10 Best Places To Grab a Drink

Bartending can be done anywhere in the world. Where have you worked your bartending jobs? 

Currently, I’ve only been a bartender in the United States. We save up a chunk of money before we travel and then we both have bartending jobs abroad as a back-up, if needed. It’s nice to have a little bit of a safety net.

Previously I worked at a bowling alley bar, a family-owned Mexican restaurant, and a hip tequila bar. Right now I work at two classy taverns. Both have great food menus but an emphasis on bar service.

Luckily for me, the close proximity to NBC and Radford movie studios means our clientele are on the wealthier side. Every now and then we get the occasional celebrity. Justin Hartley from “This Is Us”, Dr. Phil, and Winston from “New Girl” are all regulars.

You can bartend for hostels, upscale restaurants, clubs, cruise ships, and hotels as well as private bartending events. You’ll make more money in busy establishments and larger cities. This is one of the main reasons we made Los Angeles our home base. With a population that loves to socialize and 13 million people residing in the city, there is no shortage of clientele.

Geena travelling around Iceland after saving money from her bartending jobs

Do you need any necessary qualifications? (Go to bartending school, have a bartending license, or take a bartending course?)

Never go to bartending school! Don’t fall for it! I’ve worked in a variety of dive bars, family-owned establishments, classy restaurants, and upscale networking bars and ALL of them threw out resumes from bartending school.

In the restaurant industry, there is nothing compared to experience. Start out bussing tables or as a server and learn the ins and outs of the restaurant world. Then ask to be trained as a bartender with the establishment you already work for.

Once you have one bartending gig under your belt you’ll be more hirable from there on out.

Every state/country has its own liquor licensing laws. For California, I had to take a quick online course paid for by my employer. It mostly has to do with checking identification and regulations on over-serving alcohol.

Colombia was one of the trips Geena saved money for

How can people find bartending jobs?

This is the difficult part. You have to get out there and meet people — networking is key. 

You’re going to have to physically go in and ask. The thing about the service industry is they need a face in front of them or you won’t be memorable. Most establishments get at least 3-4 resumes every single day. You want to catch a bar right before they are actually hiring. Sometimes you’ll see listings on Craigslist and in that case, grab your resume and head straight there.

As for a dress code, just dress like you’re meeting your significant other’s parents. Simple, trendy, and well-put-together. Every bar has its own vibe. Some will gravitate toward those with tattoos and piercings while other’s won’t. Don’t bother covering them up. I have almost a full sleeve tattoo and I’ve never been turned away from a job.

When traveling, the best place to look for bartending work is your hostel or hotel. From there, canvas the neighborhood with resumes in hand. Meet the managers and be friendly. Much of the bartending job entails being a people-person.

Geena’s tattoos have never stopped her from finding bartending jobs

What’s the hiring process like?

For most bars, it’s very simple. If they like you and think you would mesh well with the rest of the staff they will bring you on board.

Normally, you’ll have one meeting with the manager and possibly the owner. It always helps to have a wide-open schedule and say yes to whatever shifts they can offer you. At nicer establishments, they may want you to “stage” before fully hiring you. This is basically a practice shift. To make sure you accurately represented yourself and can handle the work the job will entail.

☞ See Also: New Orleans Cocktails – 7 Must-Try Drinks in The Big Easy

What do bartending jobs entail? What’s a day in the life look like?

It’s not glamorous.

Normally you start by setting up the bar, cutting fruit garnishes, prepping fresh juices, wiping glassware and menus, stocking up on popular liquor, getting ice in your bar wells, and counting your cash registers for the day.

During service (aside from crafting cocktails and chatting with regular patrons), you’ll be changing kegs, washing seemingly endless stacks of glasses, and helping bus plates from your bar top.

Basically, you’ll be a busser, dishwasher, server, and bartender all in one.

For closing, most bars require A LOT of cleaning — melting all of the extra ice you have, stocking the shelves, air-sealing all wine bottles, wiping, and mopping the floors. Bartending jobs also include counting cash registers and doing the tip-outs for the restaurant’s day service. You’ll also have to soak all bar tools and sometimes even clean the dishwasher itself.

In reality, making drinks and talking to patrons is a very small portion of the job. But it’s the redeeming factor for sure.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com

How much money do bartenders make? Any perks of the job?

This can vary greatly. You’ll be making minimum wage plus tips. So it helps to be at a bar that’s either very busy or has great tippers.

Currently, I’m working at two different bars where I make vastly different incomes. At one bar I work the brunch shifts and make around $150 USD in tips for 6 hours of work. It’s very consistent. The other job I work nights where the money I make varies greatly by day of the week. Weekdays I expect to make around $175-200 USD and weekends I’m bringing home the big bucks with $350+ USD in tips alone.

Annually I work roughly 9 months of the year and I bring home around $60,000. That’s including tips and the minimum wage of $13. Wages fluctuate a lot as a bartender. Your pay can be much more or much less depending on the number of hours you are willing to work and the level of success the bar has.

As for perks, there are plenty. Some places will have a more relaxed taxation policy for its staff. You most likely won’t get taxed on your cash tips. Maybe not even on your credit card tips depending on the establishment.

Working in the industry also gets you a discount at most bars and restaurants. It’s not a rule but it is a common form of courtesy if the establishment allows their staff to give comped drinks or discounts.

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What sort of hours do you work?

I work for 6-8 hours, as that’s the length of the typical bartending shift in California. Some states where the minimum wage is lower may lengthen the shifts to 8+ hours.

I average 5 shifts per week. I would say most bartenders average 4 shifts per week. While saving for our upcoming long trip I increased my shifts to 7 per week.

One perk of bartending is the ability to pick up extra shifts. Most bars don’t encourage you to work doubles (or even allow it because of overtime pay) but having two bartending jobs allows you to bounce from bar to bar — if you’re willing to work 14-16 hours in a day.

Obviously, you can’t do that all the time but I do it twice a week. This way when I work 7 shifts per week I still get two full days off work. I use this tactic when I’m seriously saving for a big trip. It’s just nice to be able to increase my hours (and decrease) at will.

Working long shifts is worth it when you get to travel!

What are the working conditions like?

In a successful bar? Fun and easy-going. Typically the staff is all like-minded (often travelers) and you’ll become good friends. So with bartending jobs, you’ll get paid to hang out with your friends, make delicious drinks and chat about travel.

In a poorly run bar…nobody is happy. You’ll be able to tell right away from the attitude of the staff if they’re making good money, and whether or not the working conditions are good.

We normally have one big group party per year. Typically a Christmas party. The bar I work at now is open 365 days per year which doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for group gatherings.

At all the bars I have worked at the staff has been very close. Spending lots of time together outside of work and organizing group gatherings on their own.

Managers vary job by job. Your day-to-day is rarely monitored and management can be very relaxed…or you can have the opposite. I’ve heard horror stories of ineffective and micro-managing owners but luckily I have had kind and relaxed management throughout my bartending career.

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What are the pros and cons of working as a bartender? 

There are numerous pros to bartending jobs, here are a few:

The pay is good, flexible hours, unlimited time-off, opportunity to meet interesting people, interact with the locals, great place to make friends, and one of the only jobs you can literally do ANYWHERE in the world.

Even though there are lots of pros, there are definitely some cons.

The late hours. If the bar is open until 2:00 AM you’ll often be there until 3:00 AM. Those late nights can really take their toll. I also don’t listen to music at home often anymore, just to escape the noise. It’s a bit of a sensory overload.

Also, a pro and a con…you’re on your feet all day. You come home exhausted, sore feet, and a sore back. I also lose my voice after long weekends. It definitely beats up on your body a bit. You have to be a very social and relatively fit person to withstand this profession for any long period of time.

What do you love most about being a bartender?

Maybe the job isn’t all that romantic, but what I love most is the financial independence it gives me. I’m able to work as much as I want to all over the world. Saving for trips has never been easier. It’s the ultimate financial freedom.

Travelling through Colombia’s Amazon

Any final tips and advice for those wanting to find bartending jobs?

My biggest piece of advice for those seeking bartending jobs is to simply go in person and talk to a hiring manager. Be confident and charismatic — but be sure to get some restaurant experience first.

Thanks for sharing your bartending experience and tips with us Geena! I’m sure it’s inspired people to consider becoming a bartender. The pay is great and the hours are incredibly flexible. Plus, this can be done as a side hustle, or full-time job when saving for travel, and you can bartend worldwide. If you’re a bartender, please leave a comment below and let us know what your experience has been like. Cheers!

The lead image is courtesy of Shutterstock. Other photos copyright Bartender Abroad.

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