Nicole Amstutz graduated sixth in her class from law school and practiced as an attorney in Jefferson Parish. Now, she is a bartender on Bourbon Street.
For the last nine years, Amstutz has worked at Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club. At first, the job was a temporary way for Amstutz to make extra money, but before long, she realized a passion for bartending.
“I absolutely love what I do, and I’m so grateful … I don’t want to ever go back to either being in an office or especially being an attorney,” she said.
Amstutz finds that the fast-paced, chaotic environment of the bar industry suits her in a way the legal profession never did.
“Even if a lot of people feel like we’re wasting potential, you have to make the brain happy, because that’s what’s driving everything,” Amstutz said.
Even after following in her father’s footsteps as an attorney and growing up in a religious household, Amstutz said her family “couldn’t be happier” with the career she’s built for herself as a bartender.
Bartending 27 hours a week has not only improved Amstutz’s lifestyle and mental health, but it is also far more lucrative.
“You have to account for your time, and I never thought about it like that until I was in that situation,” Amstutz said. “I was never making more money as an attorney. I worked for the government.”
Amstutz views the service industry as a fulfilling long-term career, not a stepping stone.
“I think a lot of people get the impression that service industry people aren’t educated, or you get people that ask, ‘Well, what’s your next step? Do you ever think about going back to school?’” Amstutz said. “No. I don’t want to go back.”
Aside from adjusting to working overnight shifts, Amstutz said the trade-offs are worth it. Her schedule is flexible enough to spend time with her daughter on any weekday, and her seniority allows her to take holidays and special occasions off to be with her family.
“Sometimes the universe drops you into a situation that you’re supposed to be in, even if it’s not what you pictured for yourself in the beginning,” Amstutz said.