I've been bartending/cocktailing for a little over two years now, and I know I'm making twice as much as I would have had I pursued a career related to my degree.

The only thing I'm afraid of is NOT being able to get out of the service industry. You're tempted to stick with it (despite the crap hours) because you know the $$$ will always be flowing. That's why I know so many people who have been doing so for 20, 30 years.

I don't intend to make this my career, of course, but I'm having fun..and having fun with the extra cash.