I actually just started about a month and a half ago and I have severe anxiety. Panic attacks were on the daily when I first started. I couldn’t do DTO or warming without having severe anxiety attacks! About 2 weeks ago, everything changed for me and I feel so, so much better. I understand almost everything now, my coworkers are so helpful and kind and my shifts and manager check on me a couple times a week just to be sure I’m understanding everything. It really helps working with great people but don’t ever be afraid to ask for help or ask for a breather for a minute. We are a team and should always be willing to help! Hoping everything gets better for you, YOU GOT THIS!

barista trainer here!! it’s totally normal to be anxious when you first start and it’s hard not to feel like you’re messing up, but just remember to breathe and take it one step at a time. if you have your trainer around, remember they’re always there for you and are there to support you if you ever need anything! also, your fellow baristas are a second layer of support if you ever need anything! it’s better to ask questions and ask for help than to be overwhelmed and feel the way you feel now. keep reminding yourself that it’s going to take time. I had a hard time accepting that when I started and I wanted to be good right from the beginning but that’s just not realistic and that’s ok!!! wishing you the best of luck, you got this!!!! :)

Honestly I have terrible anxiety and it dominated my life when I first started as a green bean. My tips would be to examine the floor and watch to get comfortable and prepare yourself. Organize yourself wherever you are and just observe and get comfortable with what you are doing. It’s ok to make mistakes and mess up, we all do. You’re just starting so you’re not going to become an expert right away. Things take time. The most important thing is to understand and accept that this is a learning process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as you are learning and everyone should support you and help out! I bet you will do great and you’ll keep getting better every day! Stay strong don’t be too hard on yourself

Some of this might sound counterintuitive because I know you want to do well but hear me out. Remind yourself of these things when you feel like you are underwater:

All shifts end. You are not trapped here forever. The shift will end and you will go home.


No one is dying because they are waiting. They might act like it but they are not. If there is a line, they saw it and made the choice to stand/drive in it anyway. They can wait. They are not dying. (Not anymore than the rest of us, anyway 🤷🏻‍♀️)


Your paycheck will be the same no matter what the customer connection score is. Your paycheck will be the same if drive times are at 50 seconds or ten minutes. Take the time you need to get the job done right. Need to take a second to double check a label before you throw a panini in? Do that. Need to slow down on bar because you forget to count pumps otherwise? Do that. Need to look at a drink sticker for a second longer to build it in your head first? Do that.


And if you do mess up, as we ALL do, that’s okay. It really is okay. For all some folks like to act like it’s the end of the world, it’s not. Pretty much every ‘mistake‘ you could possibly make is fixable. Put a wrong sandwich in? Get the right one. Made a drink wrong? Remake it. Spilled something? Clean it up. There is precious little you can do at this job that cannot be fixed.

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I don’t know what the environment at your store is like but you can ask for help. It’s okay to ask for help. And if someone gives you a hard time tell them you are still learning- and if it’s a partner giving you a bad time turn it around on them. Ask them for advice, ask them what they would do different because you are learning and would appreciate the help.


You got this, you’re going to be okay.

I’ll admit, I’m over a month in and wanted to quit the first two weeks in because my anxiety showed up a lot. But I’ve gotten better, hell I was thrown on bar yesterday during peak with one espresso machine down and I’ve probably had less than 15 hours on bar and I didn’t even stress it. Normally I’d of broke down and got mad etc nah just vibed. It gets easier as time passes.

I’ve been an employee for corporate and licensed for about a year and a half and starting out I had bad anxiety for it. If you have great team mates just focus on what you’re doing and don’t hesitate to ask them questions. If you’re ever put on the spot by a customer about a question or complaint and you don’t have an answer I always use the magic words, “let me get my supervisor.” It helps alot

Don’t worry I had horrible anxiety the first 3 months I wanted to quite every time but things do get better and don’t let your Thoughts get the best of you