[Architekt]

Currently, I'm a uni student, earning barely enough, not enjoying my job, and losing interest in my degree - which is being reflected in my marks.
I definitely need to get away from this, so I can live a more upscale lifestyle that I actually enjoy. Something I've been considering strongly is working in the local casino as a croupier (dealer). I have multiple family members who have/still work there, and they say it's enjoyable. My brother, who is a bit older, and has a similar philosophy on partying, believes its a great lifestyle. I can see where he's coming from, too.

Pros:
- Unusual hours means your body gets used to being up at all hours of the day. Useful for partying all night.
- There is always someone willing to have at least a couple of drinks with you after work, and people to hang with.
- There are endless oppertunities to socialise (and practice game) with literally 1000's of hotties that come through
- These women will see you in a job that promotes fun, and that should translate to them believing you are also a fun person
- Cheaper access to the facilities (ie; resort, drinks, etc..)
- Working such a job gets one quite accustomed to wearing high quality clothing
- Useful gaming knowledge for any casino visits on holidays

The only downsides I can see:
- I don't think the pay is exorbitant, though overtime hours are supposedly easy to acquire when you're low on dough
- The odd hours, and shift work could cut into some party time
- I can't gamble at this casino.. Not sure if that really is a bad thing, though

I'm wondering if anyone from RVF has/does work in the industry and has any stories/anecdotes to share, and what the general opinion on such a lifestyle is.

[Veloce]

bartending or serving

Honestly, if you don't give a shit about your career, being a bartender or a server in an upscale restaurant can earn you $60K+ year if you're in a major city. You have to work up to that level but you can do it in a year or two. Restaurants and bars are notorious for incestuous fucking too. You'll need some workplace game to fuck those hot aspiring actresses and models.

You'll probably burnout at some point, and it's a little soul-killing. Being a server is not easy.

Customers treat servers like shit, and bartenders like gods. But the bar tending lifestyle is not for everyone, especially if it's in a city with a late or no last call.

[PDX]

(04-27-2012 09:45 AM)Architekt Wrote:  

- There are endless oppertunities to socialise (and practice game) with literally 1000's of hotties that come through

Yes, but you're not in a very high-status position. You're a functionary.

And I'm not sure how much "game" you'll be able to practice while trying to run a tight table and having a pit boss looking over your shoulder. They tend to frown upon anything that detracts from the rhythm.

Best upside is having "ins" with the staff and locals.

[Walnuts]

Go talk to the croupiers at the casino. See what they have to say about it.

[Architekt]

(04-27-2012 01:49 PM)PDX Wrote:  

(04-27-2012 09:45 AM)Architekt Wrote:  

- There are endless oppertunities to socialise (and practice game) with literally 1000's of hotties that come through

Yes, but you're not in a very high-status position. You're a functionary.

And I'm not sure how much "game" you'll be able to practice while trying to run a tight table and having a pit boss looking over your shoulder. They tend to frown upon anything that detracts from the rhythm.

Best upside is having "ins" with the staff and locals.

At least they'll get used to dealing with the "2/3 rule." - only give back 2/3 of what they give you. And for me, that seems like the perfect opportunity, I'll be under high pressure with all sorts of factors working against me. The way I see it, if I can run smooth game in that situation, it should be perfectly natural anywhere, especially under more favourable conditions. Being in with the casino crowd is also something I'd be definitely into.

@Walnuts: The few people I've spoken to there have said it's been a pretty fun/interesting job.

@thedude3737: While bartending is supposed to be an alpha job, and it has some similiarities, I don't really want to deal with quite as much drunken abuse. Mostly because I'd probably get the urge to lash out, rather than get the security that's probably standing within metres of me. Also, like you said, there's still the "work my way up" aspect. Working at the casino, I get thrown straight onto a moderate wage, which improves quite a bit over time, with or without promotion.

[Tengen]

I see you're indicating that you're in Australia. Are you planning on working at The Star or Crown?

The problem with being a dealer is that you're going to be surrounded by losers, depressed old men who will be quick to put the blame on you when the deck turns cold. Add to that you are actually handling real money, you will have eyes on your back from security all the time, so good luck trying to find time to "socialise" - Your job is to keep the action going and rake in the money for your bosses.

As mentioned here already, I would also highly recommend taking up bartending. I'm not a bartender myself, but i'm a regular drinker, and the shit those guys get up to is phenomenal. They've shown me their photos when they're off duty. Banging, smokin, rockin, that's the lifestyle they've signed up for. If i had more confidence in my endurance (heh) I'd definitely take up bartending as a second job.

[Architekt]

At the Burswood Casino in Perth (which I believe is becoming a Crown casino).

Being a bar tender, it is also quite possible that depressed, lonely losers are going to come to wherever I'm working and bring the mood down.. In any case, I might go for both jobs. Bartending would probably be a bit more useful if I were to move overseas.

[Lukey]

(04-29-2012 05:33 AM)Architekt Wrote:  

At the Burswood Casino in Perth (which I believe is becoming a Crown casino).

Being a bar tender, it is also quite possible that depressed, lonely losers are going to come to wherever I'm working and bring the mood down.. In any case, I might go for both jobs. Bartending would probably be a bit more useful if I were to move overseas.

Mate I used to be a croup at Burswood for 2 years whilst I was still at Uni.

Take it from me that you should consider bar tending. With crouping, the pay is very poor for the hours you work and the worst part is that due to the casino's policy, you cannot receive tips which makes all the difference. I used to have SE Asian Junkets throwing me $10k chips for my time in the high rollers room and I wasn't allowed to accept. I can assure you there is nothing more frustrating.

Usually shifts are 7am-3, 3-11 or 11-7am. You will do a combination of these shifts during a 2 week swing and it messes with your clock something chronic. Trust me, its not worth it in regards to your health, which deteriorates quickly. In reality its not something that is a viable long term career option.

The only real upside is that the girls you work with are loose as anything and its very incestuous. In other words, you will probably be hooking up with plenty of other croups. Its a laugh. Be aware though that there is a HUGE drug culture with croups due to the shiftwork. If thats your thing then no worries, but be aware you will be working with 70%+ meth smokers.

With regard to the points you made, realize that you are being watched constantly and you will not have the opportunity to game birds. Your pit boss will be watching you closely and it can be quite uncomfortable. Besides, the women that frequent Burswood Casino are some of the trashiest in Perth, but each to his own.

The perks that come with using the Intercontinental facilities is great at first, but bar a cheap gym membership, it gets old quick. Its great for the odd cheap hotel room for the night, but it isn't as big of a saving as you think. You also don't get a discount on alcoholic drinks. Remember that if you work in a bar, drinks are usually served 'one for you, one for me', which is free.

What do you mean by 'Working such a job gets one quite accustomed to wearing high quality clothing'? You will wear the dorkiest uniform known to man. Some birds might find it cute, but once you step off the floor you'll want to take it off asap.

I ended up transferring out and did portering. Most fun I have ever had in a job and ideal when you are at Uni. You can also accept tips which are usually a couple of hundred bucks on a good day, and when you are 19 and looking for beer money, its a dream.

[Architekt]

Well I applied for the training school already, so we'll see how that goes. I'm only looking at working here for about 6 months or so at this point, so I can go travelling at the end of the year. Like I mentioned before, bar tending will probably be more useful overseas, so I might just go for my RSA ticket regardless. @Working there during uni: When I first applied a year or 2 back, they said they no longer wish to accept uni students lol. I'm taking a semester off second half of the year, but they could reject me based on that. And not particularly phased by drug usage, I just do what I do, and whatever others do has no bearing on me.

[Lukey]

You're welcome