Anxious green been, need some advice/words of encouragement(self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by hoodiethief2
So I started at Tarbucks a couple weeks ago, my first day was Jan 1st. I’ve been working a few days a week with 4 hour shifts. I’ve had one job before at an ice cream shop which was insanely easy compared to this, hardly ever busy and hardly anything to memorize. I have ADHD, depression, and anxiety so that makes it a lot harder for me to do, let alone keep, any job. I’m really not trying to get fired from this job because I’ve been fired very quickly in the past.
Usually I work with one other person per shift. I do a lot of reg and some bar. On reg I have most things down except gift cards and rewards which I still always ask about because I forget. I just learned fraps today. I have hot drinks pretty much down, and iced drinks as well. But some customers have been complaining that I’m slow, I feel like I’m not catching onto things fast enough and one of my coworkers has kind of been giving me the cold shoulder, like outright not answering my questions and not showing me how to do drinks. I can’t expect her to teach me everything but she doesn’t even ask if I know how to make something before giving it to me and she doesn’t help with drinks at all. Unfortunately I’m working with her most of my shifts.
I get extremely anxious about this job especially when I’m not sure how to make something. And that coworker makes me feel bad about it. I just don’t know if I’m really cut out for this job because I can’t seem to be fast enough and catch onto things. I always feel like I’m doing something wrong.
quierocafefrio5 points3y ago
It sucks that this partner is not helping you with your questions. I always encourage all green beans to ask away. I will never get annoyed, even if it's the same question every few minutes, so it really bothers me that you don't feel the support. When I first started, I didn't feel like I was meant for this job but it all comes with practice. Your speed will only improve with time.
Would it be easy for you to ask if you can be scheduled to work with someone who is able to support you better? It would make a huge difference.
Stay strong green bean, you'll do great!
brianna_fawn1 points3y ago
Hey! A fellow green bean from New York here, I also have ADHD, anxiety, and depression. I started working at starfucks in June. I just wanted to let you know that while you might feel like people are mad at you, most the time it probably isn't you ( we all get stuck in our heads). Don't focus too much on how your coworkers are treating you, (I know it can feel like you suck and they hate you, but push past it, you deserve to take up space, even if they do hate you... it's starbucks, it's not like they're ivy league students or something lol).
Know that you are going to mess up a lot and that's okay. Don't beat yourself up, try and laugh and just remember the mistake you made so you can prevent it from happening again. Also about the coworkers thing... you're getting paid to deal with not just the customers.. Just try to recognize what you admire about the coworkers you like in you're head and just ask them like "how am I doing" , be honest that you're struggling but are open to feedback, which will help you become better. Try to boost your confidence! People with adhd, depression and anxiety might have a harder time, but we're also fully capable of getting the job done. Having disorders can often be seen as a disadvantage but if you're able to push past them, that in my eyes makes you stronger than people who don't. I believe in you! It doesn't matter if you're a girl or a guy, but you should try and practice more self appreciation for what you have been able to accomplish. Even if it's just getting out of bed on time, that shit is hard and I commend you for trying<3
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P.S .
I've actually spoken to some of my other employees and found that some of them have adhd as well. We're not alone!! Speak your truth and remember to stand up for yourself ( and also to laugh)!
kawaiicupcake19891 points3y ago
Starbucks is a huge learning curve... most people dont start getting the hang of things until 4ish months into the job! It does get easier! Just takes time! As far as people being impatient... not much you can do about that. As long as you are trying your best, that's all that matters! We all have to start somewhere! No one is perfect when they are learning a new skill! Practice makes perfect. Just kill them with kindness! "Thank you for letting me make sure your drink is perfect!" 😉😉
gaywardson421 points3y ago
So first off, I totally get you. I started at Starbucks in early October ish, and it’s actually my first job. Like you, I struggle with depression, anxiety, and ADHD which can definitely make things extra difficult. For the most part, everyone has been supportive. However, since I started as we entered the holiday season, I haven’t really had a chance to be on bar until recently.
My favorite piece of advice I’ve received about impatient customers came from a partner who told me as long as I’m doing the best I can, that’s all I can do. If they want to be mean and impatient, they can get their coffee somewhere else, and we can spend our energy on customers who are going to treat us with respect.
As for the issue with the partner - that’s their problem; not yours. Everyone needs time and help remembering and learning to make the drinks. It’s a lot to remember. It sounds like you’re asking questions, and that’s exactly what you’re supposed to do. Please don’t feel guilty about their mistake.
Best of luck! You got this!
MeanGreenBeanOnBar1 points3y ago
A.) You’re doing your best and that’s all matters.
B.) For your health quit, this job is awesome and fun but it will not help you get to a better place.
brianna_fawn2 points3y ago
I absolutely disagree with quitting, I find that working through difficult and uncomfortable situations is the only thing that has ever encouraged me to grow.
MeanGreenBeanOnBar1 points3y ago
Then my questions for you are. Did you ever get the hours or pay you deserved?... Did you use Starbucks to advance your career?... did you ever truly and deeply love this job?... life is short and if you didn’t answer yes to two of those questions, you need to move on and make your life better!!!
OrangeElvis1 points3y ago
I started oct 07th and I'm still learning, the last 2 days I've been on bar but we have a great support system at my work .. yes it's hard and thlught like did I do the right thing by quiting my job .. but now I feel its meant to be .. if you need to chat I'm here for you
OneHaZey_Eyed1 points3y ago
Hi, bud. I started 2 months ago, and I also have some severe problems with anxiety and depression. I have 2 jobs and used to have many meltdowns a week. I just started doing 3 things that help: 1.) I take a magnesium powder for my anxiety called “calm” each day before and after work. Very cheap, natural and effective. You can find it at cvs. 2.) Even if it hurts, communicate with not just that one coworker. Talk to your manager and let them know you are not yet entirely confident on bar. They might be able to have someone go through things step by step with you, or give you a bar partner. Idk if you know what flavor reinvention is, but most stores stopped it, which means you won’t have to memorize much come february. 3.) Take deep breaths. Ask questions and maybe make a cheat sheet. I have one from my shift lead that I can send to you if you’d like. I KID YOU NOT, it’s all experience and remaining calm. Making your drinks correctly and having a good spirit is far better than making them quickly. I hope it works out for you and as someone with so many jobs and at times a very scatterbrained mind, I completely understand. Communicate and let everyone know you’re eager to learn. And it is a learning process. You’ve got this. :)
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