Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
↑
10
↓
Breaking point (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by kiivria
I feel like I'm at mine and I havent even been here but three months. I really love this job, I love making coffee and all the types of drinks that we offer. I really haven't had rude customers despite being on window a lot of the time. However, I have a few coworkers who just make me anxious and dreading my next shift.
I'm not the fastest to say the least and I'm not knowledgable on every drink yet, I have a bad memory for most things but I've been busting my ass to get this down the best I can in the days that I work. Even going home at night to study quizlets on how to make the things I forget.
However, I always feel like I'm in the way and burdening my fellow baristas. Some of them are just incredibly rude and snappy. I dont have a backbone to say the least and I hate conflict so standing up for myself just doesnt happen...I know I should but as of right now it's hard to make myself have a voice. I'm always leaving work feeling like the biggest burden to some of my coworkers and it's just wearing me thin to the point that I'm having panic attacks and chest pains before my next shift.
This is more so me ranting as I know my options are to suck it up or leave but I really needed to vent because I love my job and what I do so much, it really sucks that people have to put others down and bring their life stress inside and throw it onto the people around them. It's making me absolutely hate my position and want to quit. Even when other coworkers are nice and do absolutely nothing wrong, the others are always talking shit about everyone when they leave the room. It's always a gossip filled roller coaster when I'm at work, and it sucks because they never voice their concerns or what's bothering them nicely to the other person. They just snap at them or talk shit. I'm not in high school anymore and I sure as hell dont want to feel like I'm going back to it but yet...
I'm not the fastest to say the least and I'm not knowledgable on every drink yet, I have a bad memory for most things but I've been busting my ass to get this down the best I can in the days that I work. Even going home at night to study quizlets on how to make the things I forget.
However, I always feel like I'm in the way and burdening my fellow baristas. Some of them are just incredibly rude and snappy. I dont have a backbone to say the least and I hate conflict so standing up for myself just doesnt happen...I know I should but as of right now it's hard to make myself have a voice. I'm always leaving work feeling like the biggest burden to some of my coworkers and it's just wearing me thin to the point that I'm having panic attacks and chest pains before my next shift.
This is more so me ranting as I know my options are to suck it up or leave but I really needed to vent because I love my job and what I do so much, it really sucks that people have to put others down and bring their life stress inside and throw it onto the people around them. It's making me absolutely hate my position and want to quit. Even when other coworkers are nice and do absolutely nothing wrong, the others are always talking shit about everyone when they leave the room. It's always a gossip filled roller coaster when I'm at work, and it sucks because they never voice their concerns or what's bothering them nicely to the other person. They just snap at them or talk shit. I'm not in high school anymore and I sure as hell dont want to feel like I'm going back to it but yet...
StunningLight 2 points 2y ago
Same here. I’m just trying to learn and do my job. But some toxic personalities just ruin my day, and it’s rubbing off on me. I need a serious change of pace. Otherwise I might become as unhappy as they are.
kiivria [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Dont let it ruin your light for sure. There are so many things that are stressing in life and while I know it is for many, your job shouldn't have to be one of them. It's sad that we spend most of our time at work vs at home and have to deal with the most of the day at work being around people who take their stress and frustration out on others. Not saying I dont understand that there will always be those days with everyone as we are human but that it shouldn't be thrown onto others who are just trying to enjoy their shift. I mean we learned in elementary school if we cant be nice, dont say anything at all. Lol. But alas, misery will always loves its company. Dont let it change your positivity though, from one happy person to another dont let anything or anyone take your happiness away from you :).
ditzydonut 2 points 2y ago
You said everything I’m feeling too. I’ve also only been at my location for a few months. The worst part of the job by far is the one or two snappy, rude, awful coworkers. One I work with almost every day because she’s a morning shift. I learned very quickly that she can be incredibly rude and snaps at everyone, so I try my hardest to not take it personal. I don’t have a lot of advise because I’m still learning how to navigate these few snappy coworkers too. I’m very non-confrontational so I just try to keep my head down & work hard & stay out of their way :/
kiivria [OP] 2 points 2y ago
I'm so sorry you have to deal with this problem as well. It sucks especially with being new. It makes me feel like its not my place to correct or stand up for myself but I always feel like a burden who cant be fast enough or asks too many questions. And with all of the gossip and whispers that goes on and stops when you walk by...it just makes me even more anxious. I dont want to quit over a few negative Nancy's but I have awful anxiety and I get sick of being thrown into the same loop every night before my shift of panic, crying, and just plain fear of going in the next day because I know I'm going to get snapped at even with trying my best.
I do have a lot of coworkers who are extremely nice and helpful to me it just sucks I generally dont work with them the majority of the time. I really hope things look up for you too though and that they just practice simple kindness. No one deserves to feel overwhelmed or anxious because of their job or other people.
I do have a lot of coworkers who are extremely nice and helpful to me it just sucks I generally dont work with them the majority of the time. I really hope things look up for you too though and that they just practice simple kindness. No one deserves to feel overwhelmed or anxious because of their job or other people.
ditzydonut 2 points 2y ago
I’m so sorry, nobody deserves to be treated like that. I know exactly the anxiety you feel & it makes work so stressful to be walking on eggshells around some people. Honestly, maybe start looking for another job if you’re able to. Or you mentioned you actually like the job, so maybe looking into a transfer could be really helpful. Perhaps you could even find a job at a local coffee shop? I would explore some options & just know that you’re not 100% stuck there. Mental health and happiness are SO important! I’m rooting for you, keep up your peppy & cheerful attitude while at work. I bet ya you have some coworkers who do love to work with you cause I bet you’re a breath of fresh air!
kiivria [OP] 2 points 2y ago
I'm also rooting for you as well and I know that we will overcome these obstacles thrown our way! You're doing a great job and this job is a lot to take in both mentally and physically. You've got this, love!
kiivria [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Awe thank you so much for the kind words! I have been applying for other positions here and there but I love that this job works around my university schedule so easily and kind of dread trying to find that somewhere else. But! Nonetheless if it is better for me I'm all about trying to make it work! I appreciate everything! I know that its simply life that I will deal with people who aren't always the kindest. That I can accept. Its just when it becomes directed at me ina consistent fashion am I more realizing that I definitely do not need to stay somewhere that I am underpaid and treated badly. I'll definitely look into more jobs and possibly a transfer! Thank you again! :)
LindaFromAccounting_ 2 points 2y ago
you should see if theres other stores in your area that need a partner and transfer out.
I went through the same thing. I felt like some partners had personalities that over powered everyone else's and made a really tense work environment. it got to the point that I couldn't take the attitude anymore and I snapped at a girl who got mad at me for ordering a Caramel Frappuccino because she doesn't like making them. I told her straight to her face that she should do her job and if she has a problem making it then she shouldn't work there (I came in on my day off if not I would've made it myself). After I stood up for myself she finally backed off and started treating me nice and saying hi to me when I walked in. Sometimes people act out just to see what you'll do especially since you're new. Don't take the disrespect forever and definitely don't let those rude people get in the way of you making money.
I went through the same thing. I felt like some partners had personalities that over powered everyone else's and made a really tense work environment. it got to the point that I couldn't take the attitude anymore and I snapped at a girl who got mad at me for ordering a Caramel Frappuccino because she doesn't like making them. I told her straight to her face that she should do her job and if she has a problem making it then she shouldn't work there (I came in on my day off if not I would've made it myself). After I stood up for myself she finally backed off and started treating me nice and saying hi to me when I walked in. Sometimes people act out just to see what you'll do especially since you're new. Don't take the disrespect forever and definitely don't let those rude people get in the way of you making money.
Dunber1234 2 points 2y ago
She’d of caught these hands
LindaFromAccounting_ 1 points 2y ago
it crossed my mind but she's pushing 300 pounds and like 6'1 so I know my limits lol
kiivria [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I'm so scared to transfer because I'm still new there. And the store I'd love to transfer to is a Krobucks (if that's a thing lol) that's literally not even a block away. So I worry about moving to a different place only to have those coworkers message me or see me in person. I'm not even sure what to tell my manager in order to transfer. My manager is a gossiper as well and I'm afraid it'll make my life hell there if people found out which I know they would since again...gossip. you're completely right though and this advice helped me so much. It was honestly what I needed to hear so thank you so much for that! I just get sick of my shifts dragging on because everyone HAS to be in a sour mood and god forbid someone is happy or they're talked about and put down. It makes the hours drag by and I cant even count the amount of times I want to cry or just walk out. I know misery loves company but damn does it get exhausting when you're trying to enjoy your job and are met with endless attitude and gossip.
LindaFromAccounting_ 2 points 2y ago
Remember that they are only people, only human like you. If you transfer to Krobucks and see them there then they should be the ones to feel weird not you lol
I ended up transferring to another store after like 8 months because everyone hated their job and I actually liked mine so i didn't want the negative energy to consume me but I realized that dealing with rude coworkers made me a stronger person. I don't take that shit at my new place. I REFUSE . i'm always polite but if I feel like i'm being taken advantage of or spoken to in a weird way I either speak up or give people that same energy.
you got this! call around to different stores that you're interested in and maybe cover a shift or two to feel out the place. once you feel like you found a store you like that has room for you then talk to your manager about the possibility of transferring.
I ended up transferring to another store after like 8 months because everyone hated their job and I actually liked mine so i didn't want the negative energy to consume me but I realized that dealing with rude coworkers made me a stronger person. I don't take that shit at my new place. I REFUSE . i'm always polite but if I feel like i'm being taken advantage of or spoken to in a weird way I either speak up or give people that same energy.
you got this! call around to different stores that you're interested in and maybe cover a shift or two to feel out the place. once you feel like you found a store you like that has room for you then talk to your manager about the possibility of transferring.
kiivria [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Oh I know and I logically take that into consideration every time they are being rude because I totally get we have emotions, life, second jobs, covid happening, and many other things that can cause stress in another person's life. But like you said, it is just evident that people hate their job and I definitely do not. I love what I do. And I love feeling happy while I do it. I understand stress but I do not understand taking it out on other people. Or hell, having to bring people down who are nice. Not even me. I have seen a few of my 'peppy' coworkers get talked about and snapped at for just being happy or nice at work... it just gets tiring to say the least lol. I dread every shift because I know I wont be able to speak up and have to deal with the negativity around me. I know I need to grow a back bone but I cant do that overnight. I have a lot of emotional past trauma that just makes conflict an absolute panic of a nightmare for me. That's gonna take awhile to build me up from.
But thank you again! I'm going to look around and see what I can find. I'm hoping something is open that will be a good fit for me or that I learn to not take it and either let it roll off my back or stand up for myself. There is only so much I can do but I really want what is best for my overall physical and mental health.
But thank you again! I'm going to look around and see what I can find. I'm hoping something is open that will be a good fit for me or that I learn to not take it and either let it roll off my back or stand up for myself. There is only so much I can do but I really want what is best for my overall physical and mental health.
LindaFromAccounting_ 2 points 2y ago
I don't know you but im rooting for you and I know things will get better!
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.