Thread by @Yeti_Abides

To all my fellow #Boise bartenders,
I left the industry & after just 6 weeks I can tell you it was the right decision for me. Maybe it is for you too. I know- you think the money won’t be as good, and you’re right…🧵

It’s better. Literally everywhere else it’s better. Sure, you might have to work an extra day, but you won’t have to cover a shift.

You won’t have to remember that time you cut your hand on a glass & had to miss work for a week, & how workman’s comp only covered the medical expenses & the rehab you didn’t/couldn’t go to because it was at 8am & how your hand still hurts.

You’ll have less cash on you, but health insurance spends better than cash because it’s spending on you. So you can heal. So you can feel like you did before you had to regularly shrug off another tirade from the owner. So you can be ok, better than ok- so you can thrive!

You’ll definitely start doing things like beginning your day at sunrise rather than saying goodnight to it; or hanging out w people you haven’t seen in years- reconnecting, literally coming back to life.

You’ll drink less- hell, you may stop altogether; & I know that sounds preachy, but my friend- you need to drink less alcohol. You’ll still drink plenty- but it’ll be a fantastic tea, or a refreshing fizzy drink.

You’ll look forward to the holidays. I know- you’re thinking I’ve actually lost it, but hear me out… what if our hatred of all things post the advent of #PSLseason was not because we’re Service Scrooges… what if we just hate missing all those hangs with friends & family?

What if we hated the holidays because we hated that we were missing them? Or worse, because we hated ourselves for missing them because we “have to” work?

My service industry friends- you are the salt of the earth. You are more than essential. You are worth more than a shifter/meal. You are more valuable than that 8.3% on $300. You matter beyond $3-6/hour + tips.

I’m not here to say that leaving the job is right for everyone. But maybe there’s someone that needs to know that it’s worth it. Maybe you need to hear it from one of your brothers that’s telling you “YOU ARE WORTH SO MUCH FKN MORE!”

Lastly, bartenders, $15/hour PLUS TIPS is the base. Period. Owners will cry & stamp their feet but when their bars sit relatively empty & their liquor collects flies & dust…

When they say it’ll close them down, invite them to work 4 hours w/out a break, in the basement, 15 across/3 deep the entire night…

When they refuse to pay you what you’re worth, remind them that a 5th of Jamo is $25.60 & they make $125 off every single empty green bottle in the dumpster, & since you sold it all, it’s only fair that you get half the profit ($15x4hrs= $60)

Take care of yourself. Take time off. Take extra napkins for your car, too. ✌️🤟