Meet Jeannette Harmse, a barlady at the age of 60.
Being barlady may often appear to be an easy job, some may even think of it as something so menial that anyone can do it, but, when you speak to Jeannette ‘Younger’ Harmse, whose heart has been in the job for almost ten years, you will realise this is a job that requires attributes that not everyone possesses.
At the age of 60, Jeanette says her passion for people has been fulfilled somewhat, as she gets to communicate and interact with people, although her first choice was to become a nurse.
“I have always enjoyed communicating with people. When I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a nurse, but then I realised that I was terrified of blood and couldn’t pursue the dream,” Harmse said.
She said being a barlady has taught her many things in life, among them respect for everyone, regardless of race, colour or creed.
Born in Krugersdorp and having been a Randfontein local since 1981, today she is one of the popular bartenders in Randfontein and affectionately called ‘Younger’, since her undying young looks defy old age.
Jeanette said being a barlady is a lot of hard work with long hours. She said it is not glamorous and is not simply about serving drinks and food to people.
“You get to know the people behind the glass and there are so many interesting people out there. Some people walk in here to forget about their problems. Others simply come in here to have social drinks after a long day at work.”
Jeanette said once a bartender gets to know the person behind a glass, it becomes a different story.
“I have a little time to spend with each and every customer and when I do, I can talk to them.”
She said sometimes after getting to know a person well, you can tell when they are upset or even happy.
She said all she does is listen to other people’s problems, without reciprocating. However, she still enjoys sharing jokes with some of the customers who have become accustomed to her over nearly a decade.
She gets to make most of her work because she does not have time for a social life. “There’s no time to have a boyfriend and spend time with him. But I have accepted the way my life is,” she added.
She went on to say that the most important thing a barlady needs to do is to keep up and have a friendly face.
“Serve the customers well and do the job as best as you can, like in any job.”
She said a bar is place that people of all walks of life often frequently visit to socialise, and as a bar-lady it is important to be streetwise.
“You get people of all walks of life and you have to know a way of approaching them differently, because everyone is different. All you do is make sure that you make them feel comfortable so that they can enjoy themselves.”
She said it is important to maintain a level of professionalism and not talk about other people’s business or talk against what you may not agree with. Despite all this, Jeanette said she stills enjoys her job and has not given any thought to retiring.
“I just take each day as it comes. I have no plans for tomorrow,” she said.
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