My gap year bar work job in Sydney

By MattJ

Taking a gap year was a no-brainer for me - if I had my way every year would be a gap year! I wanted to avoid getting a real job for as long as possible, and instead find some temporary gap year work in Australia.  Having said that, finding bar work in Sydney was hard work! I was staying with some Australian mates who all had bar and hotel jobs in Sydney, but even with their help I still struggled to find work in a bar at first. My dream gap year job seemed a long way off. Every bar and pub seemed to be looking for staff who were prepared to work longer than the limit imposed by my working holiday visa - at least for full time positions. Getting a gap year job was harder than I thought. Eventually though my persistence paid off, and I lowered my expectations. Instead of looking for full time permanent bar or hotel work I took casual shift work at a bar in Sydney. The pay wasn't great, the shifts were long, and you were expected to work for nothing for a tester shift, but over time I gradually built up my hours and found myself working in a lively bar, near a beach, surrounded by gorgeous Aussie girls! It was my gap year dream job.

Gap year jobs top tips from Gapwork

If you are looking for temporary or seasonal gap year work in Australia and New Zealand, you need to be prepared, and be realistic. Don't just turn up expecting to earn a great salary from day one that will fund the rest of your gap year. While there are plenty of jobs to be had, competition is fierce, especially if you are looking for bar work in Sydney for example. Gap year jobs can be hard to find. So dress up, polish up your customer service skills, get your CV in order and be ready to do a lot of legwork. If you are interested in gap year bar work in Australia, check out our information on the Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate.

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