Kiss My Culture

TNV: ZQ Loh “The Misconception That We Have The Best Job In The World”

The Nocturnal Voice (TNV) is a weekly column on Singapore’s nightlife written by the movers and shakers of the industry. From DJs to marketing executives and label honchos to club owners, TNV is where they share their opinions, visions and ideals.

Written by: ZQ Loh, Senior Marketing Executive, LifeBrandz

“Wah, brother! You working in nightlife industry! Damn happening! Got chiobus [hot girls] to introduce not? Sure a lot of girlfriends right?”

Along the same lines, this is what people would say to me when they realize that I work as a Marketing Executive for LifeBrandz (which owns bars and clubs in Clarke Quay like Zirca, Aquanova, Rebel and Mulligans).

Today, I wish to dispel the myths that we have the best job in the world. Before I continue, I do want to point out that I enjoy what I’m doing, but it isn’t as colorful or fantastic as how people picture it to be.

HAPPENING LIFESTYLE
“How can you say nightlife is not happening? You can drink all the alcohol!”

Imagine waking up with the realization that you are still wearing your contact lenses, topless, with last night’s alcohol-stained jeans and socks still on. Your head is pounding. You are not suffering a hangover. You are still drunk. You have to be at work in an hour.

Is that still happening? What if you suffer such a condition at least once a week? (It happened thrice last week.)

I love to party. I love to head to any of our venues and have a few drinks with my mates.

But when I’m at any one of our venues, I am no longer partying; I am working. I am busy observing whether the patrons are spending, whether the band’s repertoire is up to standard, whether the dancers have any new routines, or I am entertaining regulars, suppliers, clients, etc.

It is only a party when you are reveling with your friends and love ones. We just try to make the best out of the situation.

“But you don’t have to drink, what?”

If we don’t consume alcoholic drinks, how can we truly understand what our patrons are experiencing?

CHIOBUS
“If I were you, I’ll bang all the chiobus I can find.”

In all fairness, I am lucky to be acquainted with some beautiful women over the last few years, but hey, I don’t know more chiobus than the average Joe does.

The fella you see surrounded by numerous hot chicks on TV? That happens if you’re the boss of the venue or you’re giving out too many free drinks.

Oh and I have only been seeing one girl (yes one!) in the last two and a half years.

BIG MONEY
“If you can sell a bottle of Grey Goose at $250, I’m sure you are very well paid.”

That is completely fallacious. Just like any other businesses, there are so many other costs involved. I am earning as much money as any marketing dude out there. I have additional midnight transport bills to bear, and not forgetting the cost of health supplements for my liver and kidney.

It really isn’t that awesome. There are pros and cons just like any other job. Most of us slog our asses off and there will always be moments when we wonder if we made the right choice. Imagine being woken by the office cleaning lady at the pantry at 7.15am on a Thursday. Period.

This is also one industry filled with cut-throat bitches, conservatives who are unwilling to try out new ideas and lazy bastards, and ball-carrying airheads who are always ready to stab you in your back to keep their jobs.

I’ve had my fair share of dealing with these people for the last 6 years and I assure you it was never easy.

Passion is what keeps us going. So if you ever harbored thoughts of joining this industry, I suggest you reconsider your options.

Next week: Darren Dubwise’s “The Radio Star Killed The Dance Floor”
Go to: The Nocturnal Voice archives

ZQ Loh (in his own words:) is a handsome young man who is currently part of LifeBrandz marketing team. A self-confessed pig and alcoholic, it is only natural that he is plying his trade in the food and beverage industry. He is striving to learn as much as he can as he plans to run his own business in the future. Besides eating, drinking, and ogling at chiobus, he enjoys reading and listening to music. His favorite author is Kurt Vonnegut. His favorite band is Black Sabbath.