Party pests prompt girl to turn bouncer

Vanessa George tells Metrolife she enjoys her unusual profession though it comes with its share of risks

Vanessa George, 19, is a part-time bouncer. She combines her professional duties with her college studies.

It is an unusual profession for a girl, Vanessa admitted, when Metrolife asked her how she became a bouncer.

What inspired you to become a bouncer?

I just like the way it works and found it really cool. I was interested to see men in black suits keeping an eye on everyone and everything. They can throw out people who misbehave. I began to imagine how I would do the job if I ever got the opportunity. And when I finally got one, I grabbed it! Because I want to live life with everything that comes my way. I trained
in boxing for seven months before I became a bouncer.

Is there anything in particular that made you take up this opportunity?

It would be my experience when I went to parties… and the way men misbehaved and messed around. When men passed by and touched me, I felt awkward, and it was not just me. I’m pretty sure most girls have gone through this experience at parties. Maybe the men find it casual, but it does put a girl in an uncomfortable zone.

What are the challenges you face?

I haven’t faced many challenges because the job is to control people and make sure they behave. That’s something that interests me, so I never feel it is a challenge.

What is your family’s take on your work?

My family is pretty chilled out. My father is a counsellor who owns a rehab center and my mom is a homemaker. They support me with my choices because they believe in me and want me to try out things I love.

Do you control just women or both men and women?

It depends on the place and crowd. Mostly, it works with a combination of male and female bouncers. But as far as my knowledge goes, female bouncers are usually called for
exclusive girls’ night-out parties.

Do you think it’s easy to manage a women’s crowd?

I wouldn’t really say that because women can get pretty wild too! Cat fights can never be predicted.

What are your goals?

I just want to travel the world and not miss out on any fun in my life! And I will definitely get a degree and make great progress in life.