Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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What is it about Starbucks’ business model that makes it so attractive? (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by junglejims4322
Every time I’ve had an extended period away from my job I find myself missing it, along with my coworkers testifying the same experience. I don’t know how to explain it, but regardless of the shitty customers and annoying things we have to deal with sometimes...I love working for this company.
tothehospital 131 points 3y ago
It’s the free Spotify, let’s all be real.
MrRisstopher 28 points 3y ago
Free my ass! it came out of my check!
AshtrayJew 39 points 3y ago
It gets added back. It only shows up for tax purposes.
MrRisstopher 13 points 3y ago
Thank you I needed to hear that :)
tothehospital 8 points 3y ago
Lol ME TOO
Clements403 93 points 3y ago
Hard disagree. Worked at Starbucks for about a year, enjoyed it while it lasted, but after leaving I have zero desire to go back. Would work for a local coffee shop any day over going back to Starbucks.
morthos97 24 points 3y ago
I'm with you on this one
SteampoweredClock 17 points 3y ago
I've been here for a little more than half a year. Can't stand customers or the way corporate treats us. I can't tell if this post is satire or not lol
[deleted] 1 points 3y ago
[deleted]
neepnoople 6 points 3y ago
Yeah, I was there a little over two years and I'm the same. I actually hate the company culture and haven't missed the work for a second. I do miss getting to see a handful of people on the daily, but it isn't worth my mental health.
MikIsDead 87 points 3y ago
for me its partners! i feel like (most) managers are really good at curating groups of funny, peppy people that are enjoyable to work with
the1noir 33 points 3y ago
Not my store, my manager was a lazy 60 year old women who hired people JUST like her. She retired and now we have this preppy new manger with a staff of lazy bitter middle aged women. I hate it here.
crzyshiba 1 points 3y ago
You must be in SoCal hahhaa sounds like mine but she hires really young people so she doesn’t do much work
shades0fcool 26 points 3y ago
I worked at a Starbucks and I do miss it. I miss my friends and my regular customers but I wouldn’t go back because we had really bad management.
Now I’m a flight attendant which is obviously better pay and stuff but I know a lot of flight attendants who were former baristas at Starbucks and ended up doing both jobs because they love both.
I think what it is is the connections you make with friends and your customers you have every day convos with. Like I had one every day we’d talk about our fav show. One of them fixed my laptop! Which was so nice of them.
Now I’m a flight attendant which is obviously better pay and stuff but I know a lot of flight attendants who were former baristas at Starbucks and ended up doing both jobs because they love both.
I think what it is is the connections you make with friends and your customers you have every day convos with. Like I had one every day we’d talk about our fav show. One of them fixed my laptop! Which was so nice of them.
sb_411 3 points 3y ago
Wait, they can do both?? I wanted to become a FA and thought I’d have to give up Starbucks, and while I wasn’t too torn up about it I’m now curious as to how one could manage both. Are the hours flying really that flexible?
shades0fcool 6 points 3y ago
Oh you most definitely can do both! I’m a student and a flight attendant! My coworker is in law school and a flight attendant! If you want to know more then PM me and I can tell you more about how our hours work and how to do both!
crzyshiba 1 points 3y ago
Omg how weird I was thinking about being a FA but the thing is I have tattoos On my arms and hands I think that’s a no go
shades0fcool 1 points 3y ago
Tattoos are allowed but in areas that can’t be seen
Cabwriting 24 points 3y ago
There’s just something hypnotic about making a good coffee for someone, idk how else to say it. I used to work at a coffee shop in a school in Italy and when I came home I figured I’d get a job that paid pretty good, but all I wanted to do was make coffee. It’s such an addicting job and it’s not just the free coffee or food or Spotify. Making something you know the person on the other end will love is just fun. It’s why I’ll be happy to work there until I get to the career I want.
aeboombooms 8 points 3y ago
I’ve worked for starbucks for almost 10 years and I’d say— depending especially on individual store environments!!—that it’s the electricity of the buzzing morning, the vibe of working with friends, the music and just the energy. It can be so much fun if the rush goes well and things fit together! It can also be bad sometimes but those days pass.
Zeldaluvr2007 8 points 3y ago
I feel the same way. I used to work at a Safeway bux and left after a year and some change. Got a different job at Wally world and found myself yearning to make coffee again. I think for me it's the act of making lattes, as well as practicing my art and connecting with regulars.
Ended up getting a job at an airport bux, been there almost 2 years now.
Ended up getting a job at an airport bux, been there almost 2 years now.
violetskies7 5 points 3y ago
For me it’s my partners, but also just.. making drinks? Like following a recipe, creating something that I can be proud of? It’s like baking- I enjoy baking because of the process, it’s enjoyable. Same sort of thing with being on bar. I never thought I’d say this but I kind of miss the daytime rush right now.
SirenGreenBean 5 points 3y ago
Idk man. I miss the job (on cat pay). It’s one of the few jobs that I do not dread every second before work. Maybe cause my partners have been kind in answering questions, and it’s fairly straight forward. It’s almost hypnotic making drinks.
I’m not neurotypical so I can see why neurotypicals might not enjoy it. But then again, I’m of the age and life experience that I realize every jobs gonna fucking suck. There’s gonna be shit managers, coworkers. Petty drama. Gossip. Etc. I just don’t concern myself with it. It helps being married with a kid - solid excuse for never hanging out outside of work. Also benefits at 20 hours and respecting your schedule vs saying “fuck it” and scheduling you 39.5 because you’re expendable.
ETA: I’ve worked for Apple and Walmart. At least the siren has most shifts and SM on the same page and is fairly straight forward. Walmart was *the worst* for mismanagement because you have 4 managers and they all have differing opinions on how to do things.
I’m not neurotypical so I can see why neurotypicals might not enjoy it. But then again, I’m of the age and life experience that I realize every jobs gonna fucking suck. There’s gonna be shit managers, coworkers. Petty drama. Gossip. Etc. I just don’t concern myself with it. It helps being married with a kid - solid excuse for never hanging out outside of work. Also benefits at 20 hours and respecting your schedule vs saying “fuck it” and scheduling you 39.5 because you’re expendable.
ETA: I’ve worked for Apple and Walmart. At least the siren has most shifts and SM on the same page and is fairly straight forward. Walmart was *the worst* for mismanagement because you have 4 managers and they all have differing opinions on how to do things.
c_reckless35 3 points 3y ago
They treat us better than a lot of companies. They could have just kept cat pay for 2 weeks, they could had kept it until April 31 or they could had laid off all of us who can't work. But they're doing really good by their employees i think by bumping up pay for those who are still working and giving people mileage for transferring to another store. I see a lot of people talk crap about the company, but you have to admit its pretty good working at this company
Peebles46 3 points 3y ago
I have met so many cool people working for Starbucks. And it’s the only social interaction I had before all this happened. I miss it too.
daddydozer101 3 points 3y ago
Since caffeine is a drug, maybe it’s the allure of being a legal drug dealer that keeps us coming back. 🤣
P_2_P 2 points 3y ago
I had a similar conversation a couple years ago, essentially it went like this. We all know that corporate is corporate and their bottom line is all that matters. But there is a sense of camaraderie that we learn through the suffering. Being understaffed, disgustingly cruel guest, multi step drink builds, pretty much anything they want to throw at us. We figure it out and get it done. We look to each other for support and we suffer together. So at the end of the day, it’s not necessarily the company that keeps me there it’s the people I’ve built these relationships with. The ultimate connection.
pretiburdi 2 points 3y ago
I enjoy the small town feel of mine - seeing the same customers almost daily, down to the minute - there's a sort of homey feel to that. I also found that my managers have been insanely thoughtful and caring, asking me about my mental health with genuine concern or curiosity. It has a very family feel hat I am genuinely sad some people don't get as a partner :(
I have two degrees (Spanish and education) and could be doing many different things (humblebrag not saying anything except that certain fields requiring college degrees are open to me) ... but I enjoy Starbucks :)
I have two degrees (Spanish and education) and could be doing many different things (humblebrag not saying anything except that certain fields requiring college degrees are open to me) ... but I enjoy Starbucks :)
JCaligirl420 2 points 3y ago
We had a zoom meeting the other day and all of us miss working and seeing each other. I don’t get it, when we work we bitch and moan about the customers and the rushes but we miss it
Bleys087 1 points 3y ago
Starbucks is like Jim Jones. Charismatic, but utterly vile on the inside. They sure know how to sell themselves to young minds hoping to make a difference in the world. Too bad the companies values only hold up sometimes. Depends on the district and store managers really.
ivysmultiverse 1 points 3y ago
For me I liked seeing what was gonna happen next, like every time I went into a shift I was like what will happen today? What jokes are we gonna make? What am I gonna learn about someone or see/ hear? It was just very unpredictable to an extent. I also liked the majority of my coworkers because their actual passions outside of work were interesting
Patriciawhack 1 points 3y ago
Having ten minute breaks is a huge bonus that helps me a lot as someone with a super small bladder who goes to the bathroom all the time
starstar420 1 points 3y ago
/r/hailcorporate
junglejims4322 [OP] 3 points 3y ago
It’s not that deep buddy, I’m just not a miserable person who hates my job.
puggiewug98 1 points 3y ago
I also feel this way! I was a partner about 4 years ago and even made some posts on here as a green bean! I really loved my time working there. I made a lot of fond memories and had a lot of “firsts” with my co-workers as I was a senior in high school for the majority of my time I worked.
Even though it’s been a while since I worked there, I still feel a weirdly strong attachment with barista culture and still regularly drink Starbucks over any other chain
Even though it’s been a while since I worked there, I still feel a weirdly strong attachment with barista culture and still regularly drink Starbucks over any other chain
sailoraracely 1 points 3y ago
i definitely miss my coworkers and making drinks! but i had to move so hopefully i can work again when this whole thing blows over
LilKaySigs 1 points 3y ago
With me my coworkers are fun to be around and just make the shift overall more enjoyable than if it were with people complaining all the time
Saoirse_Says 1 points 3y ago
Couldn't tell you. It was by far my least favourite job, and I worked for McDonald's and Tim Hortons.
puglovinhoe 1 points 3y ago
Lowkey same but I am curious as to why you think it sucked
lilBalzac 1 points 3y ago
Fun and interesting people and coffee.
nerdheartRN -2 points 3y ago
I dread every single second.
Hate waking up at 4am just to get to work.
Hate dealing with droves of nasty, dangerous homeless customers.
Hate dealing with 90% of the entitled customers.
Hate dealing with high turnover, constant retraining, and constant call outs.
Hate being short staffed.
Hate dealing with bad attitudes.
Hate making $12.40 an hour with nothing to show for it.
I hate the cult that is Starbucks.
Hate waking up at 4am just to get to work.
Hate dealing with droves of nasty, dangerous homeless customers.
Hate dealing with 90% of the entitled customers.
Hate dealing with high turnover, constant retraining, and constant call outs.
Hate being short staffed.
Hate dealing with bad attitudes.
Hate making $12.40 an hour with nothing to show for it.
I hate the cult that is Starbucks.
Leels6 4 points 3y ago
Literally what I came here to say. Once I became a shift lead, I started dreading coming to work. All the bullshit I was put through and had to deal with was not worth making $11 an hour. It was not fun anymore and my friends that I had as a barista didn’t see me as a friend anymore. I didn’t get to joke around and goof off, I didn’t get to rest easy knowing all I had to do was make drinks, no. I was a part of management now. Oh your favorite regulars? You don’t get to talk to them anymore, much less stop for 10 minutes to eat or drink or get a break. I made sure all my partners were taken care of, but there was never time in the schedule for MY break. Don’t even get me STARTED on the koolaid sessions that were the “weekly manager meeting.” Are you hitting your numbers???!?!? How can we make this a more warm and engaged experience for the gUeStS?!?!! I have never been more insulted or sexually harassed at a job than at good ol Starbucks. Fuck the customers and fuck the company. I became severely unhealthy and suicidal all because of this fake ass business model. Every natural disaster or hurricane or pandemic going on I was there, serving customers with apologetic faces like, “why are you still here? :(“ and every time I would say it with as much spite as possible, “because people like YOU keep coming!” I am an extremely patient, empathetic, loving person, and after working jobs where I’m taken advantage of over and over, I’ve lost most of my kinship with other people. I hate the customer mentality now. I’m glad others have had good experiences, but don’t downvote the ones who didn’t. Their experiences with “tHe SiReN” are just as valid.
nerdheartRN 3 points 3y ago
Pretty much. People think they do so much..meanwhile mental health is declining in so many partners. Can't tell you how many times I've caught people in the back sobbing because customers are being downright shameful and it's stressful to be in that situation.
I would never recommend people work at Starbucks. The benefits aren't even worth it when you have to budget weeks in advance just to afford the out of pocket bill.
I would never recommend people work at Starbucks. The benefits aren't even worth it when you have to budget weeks in advance just to afford the out of pocket bill.
kitcat1210 2 points 3y ago
Yeah.... becoming a shift supervisor was a big mistake. Only plus is that I dont have to put myself on DT unless absolutely necessary lmao. I hate this shit I’m so over it. It took this CAT pay break to realize how much I actually hate it. So much responsibility is put on me. I do so much for that store and I’m not even making $12. This company truly is so fake, I can’t wait to get out. And before anyone tells me to “get a new job” I need this job to pay for my schooling so (ASU). I’ll suffer through 2 more years of being miserable in order to not have any debt leaving college lol.
Ninjachibi117 -3 points 3y ago
Get a new job then.
nerdheartRN 3 points 3y ago
Already in the works.
Also, blanket statements such as "get a new job" are idiotic.
Not everyone is stupid enough to just up and quit a job they hate. And while I again HATE this job, I do my best and am appreciated by my co-workers and upper management.
Also, blanket statements such as "get a new job" are idiotic.
Not everyone is stupid enough to just up and quit a job they hate. And while I again HATE this job, I do my best and am appreciated by my co-workers and upper management.
Ninjachibi117 -1 points 3y ago
If you despise your job strongly enough to openly and loudly complain about it in the comments of a positive post about it, it's time to find a new one. This isn't hard to figure out.
nerdheartRN 3 points 3y ago
Look around many people are posting variations.
Like I said, already in the works.
And venting gets my stress over it out. So I'll continue to do it so I can put on a poker face at work and pretend like everything is fine until I can put in my two weeks.
Like I said, already in the works.
And venting gets my stress over it out. So I'll continue to do it so I can put on a poker face at work and pretend like everything is fine until I can put in my two weeks.
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