ok, so i pretty much got a job at a pub, i've done bar work before so that's all good, thing is it's a complete shithole rough pub kinda place. i was warned about this the second i asked about work and i'm going for it because i'm desperate for a job. but like, the workers/punters are total chav like meatheads. same punters everyday, newbies get the fuck out kinda deal. i went in today only to be greated by my soon to be manager with "who the FUCK are you?" in a 'don't know ya, ya don't belong' kinda way. once i'd explained i'd already spoken to someone and i was just wondering what the situation was... he was fine and all that. but i'm kinda worried about how to be when i start, i'm usually really shy and quiet when it comes to meeting new people but i don't think that's gonna cut it this time. advice please.

Yeah, honey, sounds as tho the manager AT LEAST is an ass.

However, that doesn't mean that all the punters/regulars will be. Or then again they might.

I always blow people like this off. If they give trouble I just do the polite/chilly "Yes well, if you're not ready to order/If I cannot help you, then Alright" and move away.

They'll probably give you fits for the first wee while and then be all like "That's our girl, leave her the fuck alone you assholes".

I've never been a barmaid or waitress but I went to a fave pub for a long time where this was pretty much the case, even for new customers. First they gave me hell, then they got all protective and shit. It was pretty hilarious. The cranky regulars & huge bouncers would totally show up and LOOM at any guy who was even looking like he might be bothering me. lolz

Anyway good luck honey.

Love N stuff,

Chyia, crossing fingers for you (It'll be fine! OK? OK!)

the regualrs were nice enough, but definatly as i explained before. no doubt about it. defintely the kind of people i wouldn't normally give the time of day to. apparently if i swear alot and call people fat cunts or tell them to fuck of every now and again i'll do just fine. :/

the manager did explain to me he does play up his attitude alot but the punters like it that way... i'm just worried they're gonna expect me to be, speak, act the same. or what kind of reaction i'm gonna get if i'm not like that. they seem to be like one big pub family, everyone know's each other and has done for years. it's a completely different environment to what i'm used to. i guess i'm just super nervous. i have to go meet the other manager tomorrow and they're probably gonna ask me to work too. the guy did hint at that today.

damn chick.
well. i used to deal with all kinds of rough and nasty types and youve just gotta stand your ground. if they give you shit dont take it. more than likely they will respect you for it. but try to do in in a manner thans not going to piss them off. because some of those types are irrational (especially under the piss influence). but yeah you dont really have to be super chummy and outgoing or loud just stand up for yourself if anyone gives you trouble.
you'll be ok though. just be confident.

YOu just have ot stand your groudn like everyone else is. I worked with nothing but "meathead" men and they all ended up respecting me and be very protective of me being hte only women working with them.

Although I did manual labor so I proved myself very differently. I was quiet and worked harder than the guys did. I don't know just don't let anyone give you shit, at least learn ( if you don't already know) how to put people down and talk shit ( ina friendly sort of way)

the confidence is my problem. once people get to know me i'm completely different. but at the beginning, i kinda hide in my shell. i need to find a way not to do that this time. i'm thinking maybe i'll have a drink before i go in, relax myself a little.

that was gonna be my suggestion. alcohol is great for social lubrication.

lubrication, such a dirty word

Tell them really filthy jokes and they will love you.

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Juices like wine, like the blood in the sands.

Just do what's expected of you - no more, no less - and if it's still shitty, leave. It's not worth it. In the meantime you can still look for work somewhere else whilst making money!

next time they fuck with you whip out a knife.

i only know the joke about the 2 nuns in a bath tub. and it's only funny cause no one ever gets it.

don't tempt me on the knife thing, oh the joy

anyway, i have to hit the road soon for my meeting with the other manager. wish me luck!

when something is new and unfamiliar it can seem like something it's not.
don't over-think things. (i should take my own advice...)
anyway, you'll do fine.

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[ o ]==#

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. ~ Bill fucking Cosby

lol. your manager's just a prick. i've worked in a rough pub, too. the best way to handle it is to stay as far back from the punters as you can. gossip with the other staff once you've worked out who's who, not the customers. as long as you're fair (serving who arrives first, first etc) and pour their drinks without a fuss, you can just keep your head down and not draw attention to yourself and not get drawn into any of the dodgy goings-on. but to tell the truth, it got much better and less scary for me and i'm sure it will for you, as you get used to it. with time, you can tell who is actually a psycho and who's all right, really. and most of them are all right. i'm writing up an ethnography of work in a particularly rough pub so feel free to throw any amusing/juicy anecdotes my way!

my boss today, after meeting him a second time seems actually rather hilarious. i have my first shift tomorrow so i'll have a better idea of what he is actually like then. still a bit weary and not sure of what he'd be like if i did something wrong. but i'm actually looking forward to tomorrow.

my interview today happens to be the most relaxed interview i've ever had. taking place in their living room and lasting about five minutes, if that.

as far as staying away from the customers and interacting with the other staff more. well, the majority of the customers generally seem to hang out around the bar engaging the bar staff in most of their conversations. and aside from the two owners and the one manager, i'm one of two employees. it's a very small pub and seems very tight knit. it feels kinda lame that i'm worried about "fitting in", but i am really hoping i will.

that sounds like a well laidback job, it bet it will be fun! good luck!

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no no never say maybe to smack bunny baby again.

Just glass the first fucker who gives you any trouble. It always worked for me.

Having said that, I am typing this from a small room in Strangeways.

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I'm Squarepusher, and I approved this message.

well i went to (what i thought to be) my first shift only to be greeted by my boss telling me to "LEAVE NOW" and "GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE", apparently shit was kicking off and he didn't want me around for it. fun stuff. soooo... i left and took a stroll around town for 40 mins waiting for his call. went back and he trained me on the till a little, easy as pie really. explained some other shit, gave me advice on how to deal with the customers and told me there's no dress code or anything and i can "wear whatever the fuck i like". all in all i'm kinda scared but i get to look good while doing it, so yay.

Don't take it personally, just sounds like his general manner. Keep reminding yourself it isn't you if he gets mouthy. I'd feel rather disgruntled if someone used 'fuck' all the time but stay strong and you will soon be part of the team and be seen as one of them.

Poor you! I'll hire you! But there's a hideous BLUE shirt involved....