I was a barmaid for a large portion of my life before coming to Useyourlocal, and I am still partial to the odd shift in my local, even now, because I love it and I love being on the bar – for the most part.
Anyone who has ever worked with the general public at Christmastime will know that it inexplicably sends people a little bit mental. Add alcohol into the equation and it can be an absolute nightmare. Enter, the nation’s loyal bar workers.
They’re the ones pulling the pints, serving the food and generally making sure we all have a great time during the festive season. And while I’ve no doubt they love their jobs, this is by far the busiest and hardest time of year for them and it’s nice to show a little bit of appreciation.
So, to keep us all humble, here are 5 of the worst things our beloved bar staff put up with during the festivities – we salute you!
- Impatient customers
Pubs are amazing places to be, especially during Christmastime, so understandably everyone wants to be there – and all at once, it seems. This means the pubs are busy, it’s inevitable and it’s the same every year but that doesn’t stop some people forgetting their manners, as well as all concepts of time and before you know it, 5 minutes seems like half an hour and everyone is getting a little impatient. But I promise you, however stressed you are waiting for your drink, the person serving it is feeling the same x 100 – and they’re sober, and their feet probably hurt – you’ve got it better, trust me.
- Overindulgence
All day drinking means that rather than revellers losing their lunch when they get home at 2am they’ll probably do it at 4pm, and rarely where you’d want them to. Some might argue that working in retail is the worst possible gig at Christmastime, but I think it’s unlikely that you will ever have to clean up Jaeger laced vomit with a side of sprouts during a shift at the local Next store.
- Christmas songs
I am the most festive person you will ever meet but even I have my limits. Hearing the same Christmas songs on repeat for a full month can eventually become torturous. Particularly when you’re being serenaded with ‘The Fairytale of New York’ for the 17th time in a day by a group of 30 drunk blokes wearing paper hats and reindeer jumpers.
- No one wants to leave!
I am guilty of this, but I have also endured it so I’m only being semi-hypocritical. It’s understandable, everyone is having a great time, and no one wants it to end, even if the staff are literally mopping the floor around your feet. But chances are, that person needs to be back again in 12 hours or less for their next shift. So just go home and raid the kids’ advent calendars or something.
- Missing all the good times
Nobody wants to be at work when it seems like the whole world is having a party. But the only thing worse than missing out on the good times, is missing out on them whilst also actually being there. It’s the paradoxical life a bar worker and it’s rubbish. Be kind!
Remember, a local is for life, not just for Christmas.