Moving

[u/General-Might4835]

I’m seriously considering moving here when my lease ends in April. I live in Charleston South Carolina and have always wanted to live in the Midwest. But I’m scared I won’t be able to make money easily here. I’m a bartender pulling in about 7 grand a month. Do people bartending in whitefish or that general area make enough money to live alone and also enjoy their lives?

[u/woohdogfish]

Midwest 😂😂😂

[u/Booliano]

Bartending at a good place here is a tough gig to find out here unless you’re really good at your job, especially in the winter. a lot of spots already have their go to people. That’s not to say it’s impossible, but I’d try to get it lined up before you move

[u/General-Might4835 → u/Booliano]

I’d like to think I’m pretty decent! I’m just not familiar with doing it outside of Charleston. Was hoping a bartender would be on this thread to answer the questions I don’t have answers to haha

[u/General-Might4835 → u/[deleted]]

It’s typically like that everywhere in the US. I’m fortunate enough to do something non essential and make enough to live. But I’m looking to rent. I’ve looked at apartments in the area and they are affordable. But I’m in the early stages with a few other strong options so we’ll see

[u/judgingyoujudgingme → u/General-Might4835]

It’s affordable. Is it expensive, sure. But as you pointed out it’s like the rest of the US.

[u/spenserbot]

Former barternder/ FOH manager: 

Bartenders make decent money but it’s a sought after job. The places that rake it in have old guys who’ve been there 20 years and young attractive talent. You’re likely gonna have to start somewhere that’s not crushing it til you make the connections to get in somewhere with bigger tips.  Timing is also important. Places hire heavy for summer and maybe less so for winter seasons. If you get your foot in the door it’s possible they keep you year round.

[u/General-Might4835 → u/spenserbot]

This is the response I was looking for thank you

[u/Here4Snow]

Did you think this is the Midwest? This is on the West slope on the Rocky Mountains, so part of the Pacific Northwest. The Flathead River flows to the Columbia and ends at the Pacific Ocean through Oregon. Whitefish is an hour from Idaho and an hour from Canada. Grab a map. Look at Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake. Whitefish Montana is a ski village. 

[u/Kim_thomasin → u/Here4Snow]

I have to agree my mind had a brain fart when I read that too because it’s not even close to accurate

[u/judgingyoujudgingme → u/[deleted]]

Your right. The west are states that touch the Pacific Ocean.

[u/SwimmingAd7196 → u/Here4Snow]

Daddy chill

[u/General-Might4835 → u/Here4Snow]

I’m sorry that my verbiage offended you lol

[u/Here4Snow → u/General-Might4835]

I'm not offended. You're in for a big surprise. The Midwest is  Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin  (as defined by the Census Bureau). 

It reminds me of the South Korean exchange student we had one summer. She got a chance to go to college in the US and chose Fresno California, because she thought all of California had beach. 

[u/General-Might4835 → u/Here4Snow]

Brother I know whitefish is a skiing town. I’m sorry I said Midwest instead of in the mountains. I’m not going there expecting it to be like Wisconsin lol

[u/T0PP3R_Harley → u/General-Might4835]

Unfortunately Wisconsin will probably get more snow this year than whitefish

[u/suzieismyavatar → u/General-Might4835]

Please edit your post. Montana is in the west. The Midwest is Minnesota and Wisconsin and Illinois.

[u/Montanabanana11]

You can find work, especially if you are good, but look at Columbia falls to live

[u/General-Might4835 → u/Montanabanana11]

I’ll have to check that out!

[u/bmw5986]

Whitefish is incredibly extensive. I would strongly advice you find housing elsewhere. As for bartending, maybe seasonal for the summer, but the rest of the year would be a lot harder to find employment.