Let's dispel some myths about bartending right now. First, bartenders make money – sometimes good money. Second, bartenders need to know a lot of technical details about their profession. There's a difference between the college student who picks up a bartending gig for a few extra dollars, and the serious bartender who makes a living out of what he does. The latter has devoted years of time and concentration to knowing customer psychology, and how to appeal to a consumer's tastes.
They know mixology, the science of drink mixing, and they know how it relates to their everyday job. Can you remember the recipes for dozens of drinks on the go, often while making small talk with a wide variety of customers? If so, bartending might be the profession for you. It's often more than just mixing drinks behind a counter and joking with regulars – it's also about being a shrewd businessman and knowing how to net a profit for the time you invest.