Turning beer passion into supplemental income and/or career change

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by BKBassist, Feb 6, 2013.

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  1. Onizilla

    Onizilla Initiate (0) Apr 25, 2009 New York


    I believe I may deal with that guy you know at Manhattan distributors. Sounds like what I am, minus the paying off (so far) part.
     
    cavedave likes this.
  2. TheBeerAlmanac

    TheBeerAlmanac Initiate (0) Mar 3, 2011 Kentucky

    I'd be remiss if I said I hadn't thought of creative ways to get into the industry. For example, I have a friend that does secret shops for Audi which require him to literally drive across the country by himself on a constant and regular basis. I've wondered about tagging along and hauling beer along the way, helping bring sought after offerings to distro impoverished regions...
     
  3. teal

    teal Initiate (0) May 3, 2012 Wisconsin

    If you're looking to add a hundred or so bucks to the weekly take - bar tending is an avenue. One thing to think about - apply at golf courses, supper clubs et cetera to build experience before swinging for that killer club or craft beer bar gig. It sucks pouring BMC and making whiskey/brandy old fashioneds/sour/sweets over and over but it builds resume. I know of bartenders that were making 50k a year + (salary/tips) and they did NOT work prime time and they were not "lookers" from the "I have tits - tip me 20 bucks a round" standpoint. She worked predominantly from noon to 5 or Sunday during the day in the summer. That's at a bar that prides itself on only serving cans and pushing PBR/Blatz/Hamms/Schlitz as their niche.

    EVERY bartender you see started from zero - it's not a barrier that's 100% effective.

    Work hard, hustle, ears open/mouth shut and you'll do fine. (helps if you live in a drinking town too)

    Good luck man - don't let the nay-sayers keep you down.
     
    4kbrianb likes this.
  4. Flyway

    Flyway Initiate (0) Oct 22, 2012 Wisconsin

    For how long though? You will literally have to work for the rest of your life... unless they have a killer 401k match at the local brew pub...
     
  5. TheBeerAlmanac

    TheBeerAlmanac Initiate (0) Mar 3, 2011 Kentucky

    Every occupation requires an element of financial responsibility. A toll collector can retire early if they plan accordingly and a millionaire athlete can go bankrupt before their prime. I sincerely hope you're not one of those people counting on your social security one day.
     
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  6. 4kbrianb

    4kbrianb Initiate (0) Jan 2, 2013 California

    all i picture is dukes of hazard mixed in with the transporter. It is a damn Russian River/Audi collab and I love it!


    One of the best words of advice I ever received... the best time to find a job, is when you have a job. So the time is now buddy! Kick ass, take names, and as others have said.. hustle and let people know you are listening and learning... not just talking (The biggest mistake most people make in my personal opinion).
     
    mecummins, ESeab and TheBeerAlmanac like this.
  7. TheBeerAlmanac

    TheBeerAlmanac Initiate (0) Mar 3, 2011 Kentucky

    It's done, I'm doing it.
     
  8. Onizilla

    Onizilla Initiate (0) Apr 25, 2009 New York

    Yo forget the beer trade, Where do I sign up for this gig? Could mule AND secret shop Audi. Awesome.
     
  9. Flyway

    Flyway Initiate (0) Oct 22, 2012 Wisconsin

    Ha, no... not planning on seeing a dime of that, sitting here at 29. You are exactly right with your comments though... it would just be tough full-time with terrible-to-no benefits on that kind of income though. Plus, probably living in a metropolitan area to bring in $100 a night at a craft-friendly joint... probably paying a lot in rent. There's just so many out there that aren't saving a dime, when you are exactly right about SS. But it will all work itself out for us later on, I'm sure...
     
    TheBeerAlmanac likes this.
  10. Thedrizzle

    Thedrizzle Initiate (0) Sep 10, 2012 Florida

    Sierra Nevada and stone were just hiring.just keep on it and check websites. Hopefully relocating isn't to hard.
     
    josmickam likes this.
  11. 4kbrianb

    4kbrianb Initiate (0) Jan 2, 2013 California

    Bruery was also recently hiring. Someone mentioned facebook and twitter... I highly reccomend friending and following every brewery in your region. Or out of your region if you have the ability or want to relocate.
     
    HipsterBrewfus likes this.
  12. TheBeerAlmanac

    TheBeerAlmanac Initiate (0) Mar 3, 2011 Kentucky

    He's technically an auditor, but he does get a car. :slight_smile:
     
  13. 4kbrianb

    4kbrianb Initiate (0) Jan 2, 2013 California

    really? I have a buddy who is an auditor. I am going to have to hit him up about this secret society they have. He always acts like he hates talking about his job and it is boring... Now i know the truth!
     
    TheBeerAlmanac likes this.
  14. CaptKirkles

    CaptKirkles Initiate (0) Apr 7, 2010 New York

    I followed my passion and it led me to work for a distributor. Your are in BK, apply for Union Beer. They have the biggest craft portfolio in NYC.
    Granted, I sling budweiser all day but you need to start somewhere!!
     
  15. Rback

    Rback Crusader (477) Feb 26, 2012 New York

    In 50 years of drinking legally, going to literally thousands of bars I never thought of trying this
     
  16. 4kbrianb

    4kbrianb Initiate (0) Jan 2, 2013 California

    a person will do crazy things when parched!

    When growing up, and going to crappy, wannabe fancy lounges and clubs I learned my tricks to get my over priced gin and tonic ahead of the dude ordering even more over price jager bombs.
     
  17. warrenout330

    warrenout330 Initiate (0) Oct 19, 2012 Ohio

    You could even look at distribution reps and or merchandising job.... I have a lot of friends who work in those guidelines for craft distribution and actually pull in 30-50k.. but this all depends on your state laws like Ohio is distribution to stores and PA sets stores up as distribution for beers to customers
     
  18. czfreeman

    czfreeman Initiate (0) May 22, 2007 California

    I actually quit my job 3 weeks ago and am actively seeking landing an assistant brewing job .I have some experience, but getting your foot in is the hardest thing...and the fact that people ask for a certain amount of experience..but no one wants give it to you, is becoming very discouraging..
     
  19. JrGtr

    JrGtr Pooh-Bah (1,689) Apr 13, 2006 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Yet another former GC employee here, (Store # 552, Natick, MA 1998 - 2002)
    The problem with your current gig (no pun intended) is the variable hours, especially when it comes to weekends.
    If you were to look at being a bartender or some such, the timing would possibly be a serious issue.
    You might look into blogging or writing about beer in one form or another, be it for one of the "beer papers" like Yankee Brew news (or the NY equivalent; done know which name it goes by) or Ale Street News, or something like that. I'm not saying it would be a lot of money (or any at all to begin with) but if you develop a style or angle, and get a following, you might be able to do something there.
     
  20. JrGtr

    JrGtr Pooh-Bah (1,689) Apr 13, 2006 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Do you homebrew at all? if you're looking to apply for a job, a bottle of HB might be a good way in without any professional experience. Other than that, you might be best looking for a gofer job, to get in the door doing whatever needs to be done, and learn about the procedures and production and equipment in the brewery. You'll end up shoveling out mash tuns and answering phoones, like as not, but it's in the door.
     
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