He is serious, it takes a fair amount of skill to be a good bartender.

"Yes, well. 21st century ideas about what is or is not a respectable profession are idiotic at best." He shrugged, "It is better to have a profession you enjoy than one you do not. Being around those who are not... us is a a valuable thing, and anyone who has told you differently has become blind to the world around them."

Malik gives him a quiet smile. "None of us are ever sure of anything, not really. Trust your friends will do what is right even without you there."