Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Advice for an autistic barista? (tall rant kinda) (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by arcanalalune
Hi all, I had a really awful shift yesterday and I'm worried about going in again tomorrow and how to proceed at sbux in general, so I was wondering if anyone (particularly anyone who is autistic or otherwise nd) had some advice.
I've been a partner for about 5 months, and I don't particularly consider myself a green bean anymore, but I'm still relatively new compared to the other partners at my store. I actually think I'm very good at my job, but I work at a high volume DT store and it can be a lot. Yesterday was Tuesday which are usually my favorite shifts because they're the least busy and I'm also always off on Wednesdays so that makes things simpler.
My ssv put me on front/warming which was a relief to me because it's usually pretty low stress. However, it is spring break this week and we were way busier than usual. My ssv sent me on my ten after only an hour of my shift, and I usually just get a water and sit in the back to decompress and sit down, but I couldn't even do that bc another partner was there counting tips. So I went outside to sit, feeling a little tense still, and when I came back, I was sent to drive bar to cover another partner's ten. Personally, I really prefer cafe bar because it's a lot easier for me to sequence drinks and keep things organized, plus I don't have the added unwanted sensory input of wearing the headset.
But, I tried to just suck it up because it was presumably only going to be for ten minutes, but then the barista I was covering got moved to cafe bar and I was still on drive for the next four hours. It got very overwhelming, and I had so much sensory overload that I went nonverbal. I was still making drinks and trying to do things as efficiently as possible, but I couldn't communicate with my bar partner. For instance, I had to make a mocha frap, and they were in front of the pump. I couldn't ask them to let me get through so I just waited for them to finish what they were doing. But I think this frustrated them because they said "speak up or else I won't know what you need." And like, I totally get it. I was also frustrated that I couldn't say or communicate anything but I didn't know what to do about it.
My ssv sent me back to warming for the last 15 minutes of the shift which honestly made me feel like shit, but I understood.
I'm mostly frustrated at myself, and not my fellow partners, for this situation. This is the first time I've ever even gone nonverbal at work, but I'm worried about what to do in case it happens again. If anyone here has any experience with this, any advice would be so appreciated. Thank you. ❤️
I've been a partner for about 5 months, and I don't particularly consider myself a green bean anymore, but I'm still relatively new compared to the other partners at my store. I actually think I'm very good at my job, but I work at a high volume DT store and it can be a lot. Yesterday was Tuesday which are usually my favorite shifts because they're the least busy and I'm also always off on Wednesdays so that makes things simpler.
My ssv put me on front/warming which was a relief to me because it's usually pretty low stress. However, it is spring break this week and we were way busier than usual. My ssv sent me on my ten after only an hour of my shift, and I usually just get a water and sit in the back to decompress and sit down, but I couldn't even do that bc another partner was there counting tips. So I went outside to sit, feeling a little tense still, and when I came back, I was sent to drive bar to cover another partner's ten. Personally, I really prefer cafe bar because it's a lot easier for me to sequence drinks and keep things organized, plus I don't have the added unwanted sensory input of wearing the headset.
But, I tried to just suck it up because it was presumably only going to be for ten minutes, but then the barista I was covering got moved to cafe bar and I was still on drive for the next four hours. It got very overwhelming, and I had so much sensory overload that I went nonverbal. I was still making drinks and trying to do things as efficiently as possible, but I couldn't communicate with my bar partner. For instance, I had to make a mocha frap, and they were in front of the pump. I couldn't ask them to let me get through so I just waited for them to finish what they were doing. But I think this frustrated them because they said "speak up or else I won't know what you need." And like, I totally get it. I was also frustrated that I couldn't say or communicate anything but I didn't know what to do about it.
My ssv sent me back to warming for the last 15 minutes of the shift which honestly made me feel like shit, but I understood.
I'm mostly frustrated at myself, and not my fellow partners, for this situation. This is the first time I've ever even gone nonverbal at work, but I'm worried about what to do in case it happens again. If anyone here has any experience with this, any advice would be so appreciated. Thank you. ❤️
dazedandconfusedhere 10 points 2y ago
I would definitely talk to your SM about today, and let them know that you want to set up a plan for if you run into sensory overload issues / becoming nonverbal moi
Maybe you could have an index card laminated that you keep in your apron, so if you run into the nonverbal issue you can hand it off to the SSV so they know to move you to a different station or give you a break?
Definitely talk to the SM though, and tell them whatever your plan is to work with this in the future so that any accommodations you need can happen and be properly communicated to the people on the team who need to know (ie the SSVs you work with)
Edit - i am not autistic but do have ADHD/am ND
Maybe you could have an index card laminated that you keep in your apron, so if you run into the nonverbal issue you can hand it off to the SSV so they know to move you to a different station or give you a break?
Definitely talk to the SM though, and tell them whatever your plan is to work with this in the future so that any accommodations you need can happen and be properly communicated to the people on the team who need to know (ie the SSVs you work with)
Edit - i am not autistic but do have ADHD/am ND
arcanalalune [OP] 4 points 2y ago
Thanks so much. Yeah I'll definitely set up a time to talk to her. I think the index card thing is a great idea.
echowolf9 1 points 2y ago
I agree with talking to the SM about setting up a plan in case it happens again. Also don’t be afraid to ask for a position change before it gets to the point where you’re non verbal. If you told a good SSV that you were getting overwhelmed or tired in a position, they should move you. If you communicated with the SSV that you were getting overwhelmed (you don’t have to mention your disability if they don’t know, this should be enough to swap positions!) and they didn’t move you I would also bring that up with the SM. Also 4 hours on drive thru bar could overwhelm anyone! We’re ideally supposed to change positions every 2 hours.
larry432753632 1 points 2y ago
do you have the means to go to a community college or trade school?
arcanalalune [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Sort of, although I do already have a bachelor's degree. Why do you ask?
larry432753632 2 points 2y ago
not to be rude - i'm very ND and literally do not survive in positions like this; other people just eat me to death. i'm not happier sitting instead of doing, but the lights are on.
arcanalalune [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Oh thank you. Yes I mean I do not intend to stay with Starbucks. I want to get a career in library sciences, but truthfully it just is extremely hard to get any other jobs right now.
larry432753632 2 points 2y ago
it really is. but agencies like appleone will get you in a seat somewhere. it sucks staring at a computer all day, but it's good money and you won't be in such a loud and unforgiving environment. your work ethic is what will keep you employed, not just how fast you are at something physical. i love working in a kitchen, but i struggle to keep up with more able-bodied workers - neither their fault or yours. simply the bodies we live in and manage daily.
larry432753632 1 points 2y ago
times are tough, but there is always a call center or admin job to find, especially with a bachelor's degree. i can send some resources.
Saltymushroom99 1 points 2y ago
Def talk to them about it. The speed of the drinks isn’t more important than you are. Yeah it’s a big part of the job but so are you. Def make sure your SM is aware of your situation & if you feel comfortable doing so tell your fellow baristas. Wishing you luck 💗
CLEf11 1 points 2y ago
Next time you're on drive thru bar ask if you can switch with the one who is on cafe bar. Most partners are willing to.
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
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