Confessions of an Australian Barmaid: Life on 'The Other Side'

I've always worked at night, mainly as a means to fund my overseas journey's. But as I grow older and comments such as 'I don't know how you do it!' and 'Don't you miss going out?' become more and more common, it's become clearer to me that I actually like, even prefer working at night. Besides the obvious fact that I'm earning and saving money whilst still being in a social environment, I've been recently enlightened to the fact that I am so used to being behind the bar that it is difficult for me to happily exist on the other side.

Let's say I head out to a bar, pub or to see a band - one of my most favourite pastimes, hence why I work mainly in venues. Getting a table, a seat or seeing the actual band is only one element of your night. The rest is spent queueing for the toilet and for drinks - and if not at your or your fellow creature's place of work - paying full price for them as well! We creatures of the night get used to preferential treatment after a while. At our frequent haunts the unspoken code allows for cutting in line, free drinks, shots, and stashing your belongings in the staff room. But on the other side - no, that'll be 2 pounds per item thanks!

And then there's 'seeing' the act in the literal sense. In a venue of any size odds are you're not going to be the tallest person in the room. In fact, it's more likely you're going to have to push your way, ducking and weaving, trying hopelessly to get to the front, all the while spilling your overpriced drink and receiving lethal stares from all in your path. That is, of course, unless you get there before the masses, in which case you have the choice of standing tall and staking your claim but give up all hope of ever going to the bar or toilet - as you and I both know, they'd just as soon jump in your grave.

A friend and collegue at my previous day job scoffed when I said I got to see bands for a living and snorted 'Yeah - all the way from the bar!'. Yeah - all the way at the back of the room on a risen platform full of personal space and alcohol, with perfect sight lines and a lockable gate should anyone try to jump in my place.

Who'd want that eh??