“The only thing my work experience says about me is that I can remain with a company for many years as a bartender proving that I am not a thief, and have been promoted to management in a low wage/low skill industry and held the position for a long time making me competent enough to do that job. Honestly, the interviewers spend more time asking me about my volunteer experience with the local animal shelter… that says it all.”
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No. It doesn’t mean you lack skills.
You underestimate work ethic as a plus in your favor.
You need to spend more time researching the companies that respect that.
And then you need to spend some time learning to promote yourself to get the job.
Don’t expect others to hire you if you don’t believe you aren’t worth their time.
Two things:
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You dismissed Publix as a suggestion who has a wonderful management program right up your alley
Maybe it isn’t for you. But explore the possibilities that companies offer.
Starbucks has paid for college opportunities.
There are probably other companies with good opportunity that will not only train you but help you get that college degree. -
You want out of hospitality. But that is where your experience lies. Some of your friends (from what I understand from your posts) haven’t escaped hospitality because the money is still there. So they stick with it. Sounds like you are there with them.
Hospitality has a lot of facets. Look for something that DOES interest you in that field. Start with a company that interests you in some respect and see what your options may be.