WORKERS SECTION
WORKERS FROM:
2008, 2007, 2006
MAIN WORKERS PAGE
Virtually all the bars, restaurants and clubs need staff during the busy summer period. They are usually ran by the owning family and hire on average 5 - 10 summer workers at any one time depending on the size of the business.
The Foriegn Office states that "you are required to have a health certificate/licence issued by the local authorities to work in such bars, clubs and restaurants. Failure to have such a certificate is punishable by a fine and or imprisonment."
A British passport holder may stay as a visitor for three months. For longer stays, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Workers should make sure they spend a night in Turkey to stay legal if they intend working for longer than 3 months
Don't expect to be paid well - you are doing this for the 'life experience' - well, that's what you told your folks. Most workers are bar reps; if you are going to try to get this sort of work you should barter with the managers and sell yourself (tell them how great you are going to be for them) you could get a few extra euros that way! Expect to be offered a trial to begin with, especially if you haven't worked in the village before. Pay is usually between €25 and €30 a night (£17-£21) for bar reps, PR's and waiters. You'll get more cash if it's you bringing the punters in. A top PR can make €45 per day Expect to work at least 6 hours per day.
Other jobs are available but are more scarce, but these will tend to pay a little better.
What ever you decide, GET THERE EARLY! The early birds go over in May - We recommend late April so you can have a bit of a holiday while you are waiting for the tourists and you get to source out the best accomodation at the best prices. Expect to pay between €200 and €250 (£135-£170) per month. Your employer will most likely be able to help you get some accommodation. If you've booked a holiday that should take the pressure off finding somewhere to stay for a week or two!
Most workers are returning ones. Don't forget these guys had a whole season to build up a relationship with the owners and a lot will have kept in touch during the off-season so these are the people who you will be competing with, but getting there early should avoid any scrapes and hair pulling!
The business owners will want to meet you first before offering you any work unless you have a reputation or are offering a unique service. So hounding them with emails and phone calls will have little effect! Get there early, speak to them in person and sell your skills!
DJ's should note that the purchase of pirate CDs in Greece can result in imprisonment, so don't sell your mix CD's or you and your customers could end up in the nick!
Drop outs! If you get there late and require work then ask around. A lot of workers realise it's better to be on holiday than to work and leave after a few weeks giving you a great chance to fill the hole!
Most workers take enough money for their return journey but book it close to the time they wish to leave. Keep this money separate and DON'T SPEND IT!
Get well known! Even when you are not working you are still representing your owners business so do them justice! Have a stack of their business cards in your pocket and hand them out to other workers and tourists you meet while out and about. The more owners that you meet the more discounts and savings on meals and drinks you are more likely to make. Don't be shy about asking whether a business offers workers rate.
Avoid conflict! Don't wear that bar branded top while visiting other bars even if you are on downtime especially if you know there is friction between the rival businesses and don't get caught trying to poach their customers, bad etiquette and always a no-no!
Ask yourself are you cut out for it? It's hard work, badly paid but great fun. You are not on holiday and your employer will take great delight in telling you this if you slack off! Try to eat properly, drink plenty of water and get at least one nights worth of good kip every week. Take some vitamins to keep yourself on top form and don't over do it or it will be an early flight home!
WORKERS FROM:
2008, 2007, 2006
MAIN WORKERS PAGE
