Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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My store's DM is pushing my manager to open up the cafe for partial seating (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by WildCaterwaul
I was hoping to get some feedback and advice if you guys would be so kind.
Our DM is pushing my manager to prepare the store for partial seating. We're in an area that isn't in one of the worst places, but it is a very spoiled conservative area with lots of inconsiderate people, and our store is very small, and frankly, we're not built for social distancing. I think it's too soon.
I've been a shift supervisor for almost a year now, and have been working at this store for two years. This is already not what I want to be doing with my life, and it's not where I thought I would be by now. I know a lot of us are probably in that spot right now. I'm considering quitting if they open up the cafe. I was supposed to be working on establishing a freelancing portfolio with my writing anyway, and trying to find work in publishing, specifically as an editorial assistant. Obviously, employment possibilities are slim right now, but I can't afford to live on my own with this job anyway, so I'm already living with my parents. They're the kind of people who will be on my team no matter what I choose, and I'm grateful, but I'm worried about stepping away from relatively reliable employment right now. Still, I feel this is an unnecessary risk, and I'm already not invested in Starbucks long-term, and maybe I should be using my time trying to prepare for the career I actually want and can support myself with. My manager just promoted a barista to closing shift a few weeks ago, and we're kind of out of people who are ready to be promoted. I would be leaving her high and dry, and I'm not proud of that, but I also don't know if I owe her anything, and I know I don't owe Starbucks anything. I don't want to seem like I'm rage quitting or anything like that, I just...don't really know if Starbucks is worth it anymore. The pay certainly doesn't seem worth the risk but ultimately it doesn't matter, because literally every job out there is a risk right now, unless I hit a stroke of luck with freelance work and can actually work from home.
This is my first time posting something like this. I know this is kind of a personal question, and ultimately only I know what's best for me, but...I was just hoping for a bit of perspective? Thanks ahead of time.
Our DM is pushing my manager to prepare the store for partial seating. We're in an area that isn't in one of the worst places, but it is a very spoiled conservative area with lots of inconsiderate people, and our store is very small, and frankly, we're not built for social distancing. I think it's too soon.
I've been a shift supervisor for almost a year now, and have been working at this store for two years. This is already not what I want to be doing with my life, and it's not where I thought I would be by now. I know a lot of us are probably in that spot right now. I'm considering quitting if they open up the cafe. I was supposed to be working on establishing a freelancing portfolio with my writing anyway, and trying to find work in publishing, specifically as an editorial assistant. Obviously, employment possibilities are slim right now, but I can't afford to live on my own with this job anyway, so I'm already living with my parents. They're the kind of people who will be on my team no matter what I choose, and I'm grateful, but I'm worried about stepping away from relatively reliable employment right now. Still, I feel this is an unnecessary risk, and I'm already not invested in Starbucks long-term, and maybe I should be using my time trying to prepare for the career I actually want and can support myself with. My manager just promoted a barista to closing shift a few weeks ago, and we're kind of out of people who are ready to be promoted. I would be leaving her high and dry, and I'm not proud of that, but I also don't know if I owe her anything, and I know I don't owe Starbucks anything. I don't want to seem like I'm rage quitting or anything like that, I just...don't really know if Starbucks is worth it anymore. The pay certainly doesn't seem worth the risk but ultimately it doesn't matter, because literally every job out there is a risk right now, unless I hit a stroke of luck with freelance work and can actually work from home.
This is my first time posting something like this. I know this is kind of a personal question, and ultimately only I know what's best for me, but...I was just hoping for a bit of perspective? Thanks ahead of time.
sadsadbarista 6 points 3y ago
My store was considering opening up for grab and go, and when they told us last minute (the night before I opened), I quit in our group chat. But we were so understaffed that my manager begged me not to go. He offered to not open the café for two to three weeks while he hired and trained a replacement. Suddenly he could do this even though I and a few others begged him not to open up? I said no and quit anyway, and our store was shut down because of a possible COVID case just five days later.
So, you may have a chance if everyone stands up. In my case it only took me and someone else quitting to buy us time. I applied for unemployment before this happened, and I now have a cozy amount to live off of while I job search and stay at home to save some damn lives.
I think you should stand up for yourself and your team if possible. Please just be safe and do what’s right for you. Starbucks doesn’t matter. It’s a dumb corporation. Your life is what’s important. Stay well, partner. I believe in you!
So, you may have a chance if everyone stands up. In my case it only took me and someone else quitting to buy us time. I applied for unemployment before this happened, and I now have a cozy amount to live off of while I job search and stay at home to save some damn lives.
I think you should stand up for yourself and your team if possible. Please just be safe and do what’s right for you. Starbucks doesn’t matter. It’s a dumb corporation. Your life is what’s important. Stay well, partner. I believe in you!
WildCaterwaul [OP] 1 points 3y ago
That's a good point. I've been talking to the other partners but honestly it doesn't really seem like the banding together thing is much of an option. You're right though, this mess is more important than coffee. I really appreciate your encouragement.
sadsadbarista 2 points 3y ago
I understand. Perhaps if you are understaffed or in a hiring/transfer freeze area then thing would be easier to accomplish, but this pandemic has certainly affected our collective bargaining abilities with so many unemployed. It’s unfair.
I hope I helped and that you’ll be happy with whatever you choose. 💕
I hope I helped and that you’ll be happy with whatever you choose. 💕
WildCaterwaul [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Thank you. I appreciate your time and encouragement. ❤️
garlicrotini 3 points 3y ago
I know leaving your store/manager is hard especially if you like it but to Starbucks YOU ARE REPLACEABLE. Do not feel bad for putting yourself first if you decide to leave. This is not the job we signed up for anymore, we are putting ourselves at risk every single day. Take care of yourself because obviously Starbucks isn’t.
WildCaterwaul [OP] 2 points 3y ago
You know, it's funny, I've pep-talked other people this way but it's so hard to get my brain to work that way for myself? I know you're right. Seems like this whole year isn't want we signed up for, heh.
BeardiesRule112 3 points 3y ago
Honestly not even close to every job comes with a risk right now, most people are working from home.
garlicrotini 2 points 3y ago
It’s so easy to say it to someone else than it is to really apply it to yourself. But I would say definitely trust your gut on this and it sounds like you have great support with this decision :) and Starbucks will absolutely find a way to make it work without you. Good luck to you whatever you decide to do!
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