What do you enjoy most about your cocktail server career?

What do you enjoy most about being a cocktail server? What do you dislike the most? Is it challenging? Are there many opportunities to learn and advance?

What keeps you at your job?

I like the feeling at the end of the night, the feeling of accomplishment. It's not saving lives, but it's challenging - mentally, emotionally, and physically. I hate it for the same reason, it's taxing. Because it is the service industry, and because it is a job that could easily be filled, if one customer out of the hundreds you serve each night doesn't like you - and decides to do something about (reviews, complaints, whatever) it can be the end of your employment. Compared to other serving gigs, it's awesome. You're not carrying plates, worrying about all of those little steps involved in fine dining, etc. You get them drinks. And they're drinking, which means they are already predispositioned to have a nice time.

As far as advancement goes - depends on what you mean. Becoming a bartender - sure. Running the bar? Probably not. Unless you plan on being there for a very, very long time. Get your experience, open your own bar.