Whether you’re in the field already and are contemplating having kids, are a parent looking to become a bartender or fill a similar role, or something else, you might wonder – can parents work in the bartending industry? In other words, is bartending or working in the bar industry compatible with parenting? Here, we will answer those questions and talk about how to balance your work in the bar industry with being a parent.
Can Parents Work In The Bar Industry?
The short answer to “Can parents work in the bar industry?” is a resounding yes! Many bartenders and bar owners are parents. However, there are some challenges that may arise. These may include but aren’t limited to:
- Late nights. Late nights at work might impact sleep, self-care, and family time.
- Maintaining a work-life balance. The bar industry is a busy one, and though it depends on where you work, long hours are common.
- Work stress. Work stress can occur in any industry or position, and it can strain your mental and physical health. This may be especially true for busy parents with multiple responsibilities.
Thankfully, there are ways to navigate all of these concerns and prosper in your career, family life, and health. So, what can you do?
Tips For Parents In The Bar Industry
Here are some tips for parents in the bar industry:
- Actively plan family time. For parents in any industry, work getting in the way of family time is a concern. Outside of work, make family time #1. Schedule time with your kids, and if you have a partner, schedule time with them.
- Make your schedule work to your advantage. Create a schedule both in and outside of work, and think of how your work schedule might actually be a benefit rather than a disadvantage. Maybe, your partner or co-parent’s schedule differs, and you’re able to be home with the kids in the afternoons when they aren’t. This is only one example, and what works for you might differ based on family type and your specific work hours.
- Pay attention to basic self-care. Working in the bar industry often requires additional attention to self-care. Make sure that you have solid sleep hygiene, prioritize your work-life balance, make sure that you have days off work, and check in with your personal mental and physical health needs.
- Tell your employer what you need. If you’re looking for a new position, you’ve got to be honest about what shifts you can and can’t take. Not every bartending job is the same; some will have earlier or later shifts than others, and some will offer more flexibility. The environment also matters. Working at a dive bar differs significantly from working as a bartender in a hotel, an upscale cocktail lounge, and so on. Yes, you’ll take what you can, especially if you’re just starting out, but looking for something that fits your needs – even if there are some steps in between – matters.
- Work on stress management. Job stress is very real, and as a parent, you’ve got a lot on your plate. For a healthy mind and body, it’s essential to have tools to mitigate stress. Breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, time in nature, and adding physical activity for stress relief are all research-backed ways to reduce stress.
Most importantly, if you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for support, whatever that means for you. Being a parent is a full-time job as is, and asking for help when you need it is crucial. You can live out your dreams as a parent in the bar industry, and you can maintain your mental health while doing it
Find Support
Therapy is an excellent place to talk about work stress, parenting, or anything else that’s on your mind. There are a number of different ways to find professional support in the form of a therapist or counselor. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company to see who they cover, or sign up for a reputable online therapy website with licensed providers like BetterHelp. Online therapy is often more affordable than in-person services without insurance, and BetterHelp allows you to get quality care from your own home or anywhere else with a reliable internet connection. There are also free articles on the BetterHelp website that touch on parenting and other topics: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/parenting/what-is-co-parenting-the-pros-and-cons-to-consider/. Regardless of how you find support, you deserve to thrive, so don’t hesitate to start your search for a therapist or counselor today.
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