I've heard of individuals who paid hundreds of dollars for bartending school and have a tough time getting a job once they're done.

I bartended for 3 1/2 years but I started as a server, then a barback, until it was time for me to finally get my ass behind there. This took less than a year. All my training took place on "off" nights where it wasn't too busy. You definitely don't want to start off at a college bar with a rep of being rowdy and crazy. Think Violet Sanford in Coyote Ugly.

I stayed away from working at the bars near the school because I hated the college scene. Do you really want to work at a college bar? College kids are shitty tippers because they have no money. From my experience, the best tippers have been my customers in the military.

I could have easily stayed there and made hundreds a night like I used to, but after a while, if you don't get out...you'll never get out. It's not a glamorous job at all, and while it was fun while it lasted, I'm glad I'm no longer doing it.