I've been a security guard, a prison guard, and a bouncer so I guess you're talking about people like me. You know what? When I was a bouncer downtown I had to deal with idiots, drunks, and fighters on pretty much a nightly basis. Guys wanted to prove how tough they were by starting stuff with a bouncer, then when they got kicked out all I heard was about how big an @$$hole I was. Drunks with no idea who they're talking to would decide they didn't want to follow my polite request that they leave the establishment and if they wanted, we would be more than happy to call them a cab, and instead decide to mouth off and then take a drunken swing. Then when they get jumped (if there's a fight involving a bouncer, every bouncer in sight or hearing will get involved) all of the sudden it's the BOUNCERS fault. That's not even including the guys who I have to literally carry out the door because they're passed out, guys threatening other patrons 'cause they looked at their woman, etc. etc. I've always found that in most cases it's the patron who decided they didn't want to follow the rules of the club/bar and paid the price. Did I ever throw a guy down the stairs? No, that sort of behavior is reprehensible. However, calling everyone in a "security position" a "douche" is ignorant.
You sound like the exception to the rule but let me ask you, considering everything you just typed, why the hell would you want to subject yourself to this? I know it isn't for the money.
Judging from the replies, it seems like all bouncers are a-holes, except the ones we know personally.
Well the security guard was a spur of the moment thing since my father fell ill and the family needed some extra income. The bouncing came at a down turn in my job hunting and I basically needed a job. The prison guard gig actually wasn't bad since the unit I served at wasn't some OZ-type supermax joint, it was more of an old folks home, just that the old folks were career criminals. It offered some security, a halfway decent paycheck, and benefits. Unfortunately I just couldn't handle the drive (an hour each way) and I didn't kiss the right @ss to get promoted to sergeant, so I was kind of stuck. Looking back I probably shouldn't have left, but I took a chance that backfired. Bouncing really isn't that bad, depending on where you are. My first gig was out in Rice Village and it was actually a really cool place. A friend of mine was bartender, the waitresses were cool and cute, the clientele ranged between college students and professionals. The next place was a bit more...adventurous and was where most of my negative experiences happened. You don't make a lot of money but it's an OK stopgap measure. YMMV.
not all bouncers are bad, and they're necessary. the only time i got into an issue the bouncer was many years ago in boston. completely my fault. i got so drunk i was i tripping over people. the bouncer quietly escorted me out the door and sat me down at a corner. no fuss. too bad it was raining, but the sidewalk is surprisingly comfortable to sleep on.
