This transcript was generated from the episode audio and may contain minor errors.
Let's talk about mixing drinks and making money in Aspen, Colorado. Welcome friends. Welcome to Side Hustle School. This is our segment known as Throwback Thursday. It comes before Failure Friday.
Every Thursday we take an in-depth look at someone whose story has evolved since we first featured them in our very full archival catalog. I just picture a big huge book in the library somewhere and I'm like, "That's the Side Hustle School Archives." It doesn't quite work like that, but there are more than 2,800 total episodes that we've had on the podcast since beginning in 2017. Last week, for example, we heard from an event planner in Austin who books many of the city's tech parties and events, especially during the popular South by Southwest festival, which occurs every March or April or so. Today in our latest feature, we'll hear from a bartender who moves from Michigan to Aspen, Colorado. It turns out he can make a lot more money there, so it's a little bit of a side hustle story, a little bit of a career change or relocation to take advantage of the lucrative opportunities in the high end resort town, very fancy pricey place, Aspen, Colorado.
What's happened since we first heard from Ryan? Let's hear his story or his update. I'll come back at the end with a quick wrap up. Hi, I'm Ryan. A few years ago, I made a life changing decision to move from Michigan to Aspen, Colorado to pursue bartending.
Aspen is a renowned luxury resort town known for its high end clientele, world class ski resorts, and vibrant nightlife. I knew this move could open up incredible opportunities, and I wasn't wrong. Back in Michigan, I enjoyed my work, but I felt limited by the local bar scene. Some spots were great, but the clientele and tips weren't as lucrative as I knew they could be. I heard about the opportunities in Aspen from a friend who had moved there and couldn't stop raving about it.
The idea of working in a place frequented by wealthy tourists, celebrities, and ski enthusiasts sounded like the perfect side hustle. Aspen is a unique place with a distinct appeal. It's a magnet for the rich and famous, especially during the winter ski season. The towns, fancy hotels, upscale restaurants, and exclusive events create a high demand environment for skilled bartenders. I arrived just before the start of the ski season, which is the busiest time of the year.
The town was bustling with energy, and thanks to a friend, I quickly found a job at a high end bar located in one of the luxury hotels. The bar attracted a sophisticated crowd, and I was thrilled to be part of it. Bartending in Aspen is unlike anywhere else I've been. On a good night, I could make several hundred dollars and tips alone. During peak season, it wasn't uncommon to pull in over a thousand dollars in three days just for tips.
The high volume of tourists meant that there was always a steady stream of customers willing to pay top dollar for premium cocktails and wine. One of the most exciting aspects of bartending in Aspen is the chance to serve celebrities and high profile guests. Though I shouldn't name names, it's not unusual to see famous faces at the bar. Thanks to getting to know people, I've had the opportunity to work at exclusive events, private parties, and high profile gatherings, further boosting my income and reputation. Looking back, moving to Aspen was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
I've grown as a bartender, I'm writing a novel in my spare time, and I've significantly increased my earnings. I really think this is the premier place for the hospitality industry, though of course I haven't tried cities like Dubai or Hong Kong yet. If you're considering a similar move, I'd say go for it. It's challenging to leave behind what's familiar, but the rewards are well worth it. Whenever I visit family back in Michigan, I'm always happy to see them, but I'm also happy to get back to my new hometown.
All right, Ryan, thanks for sharing those updates. I'll be on the lookout next time I'm in Aspen. I don't know if I've ever actually been to Aspen, I'm not sure, but who knows. Listeners, let me know what you think and who you'd like to see featured from our archives of more than 1,000 stories, more than 2,800 episodes. As noted, that big book in the library.
If you have a question or an update about your hustle, sidehustleschool.com/questions. This was 2,847. Be back again tomorrow. Much more is coming up. Thank you for being out there.
My name's Chris Guillebeau. This is Side Hustle School. From the Onward Project.
