Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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I’m starting to care more about the Siren than my own life. (rant) (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by cantthinkofaname202
My brother died last Thursday. I got the call the same day, and an hour later called my store. SSV on duty said that I didn’t have to come in the next day (I was scheduled) but I said I would anyways because I needed to keep busy. I talked to my SM the next day, and she talked to me about bereavement. I’m gone until next week, but I’m stuck. It isn’t enough. I’m dreading thinking of going back to work, but I feel guilty about not wanting to be there. I caught them off guard with it, and feel bad about the schedule being having to be changed because of my absence. I am constantly worried my coworkers are going to hate me for being gone for x amount of time. I’m worried I’ll be seen as unreliable.
However, I’m not ready to be back. Last Friday, the day after I found out, I found myself almost reacting badly to a customer, by either yelling or throwing her drink across the counter. A coworker has the same personality my brother had when we were younger and it hurt to be around him then, and even thinking about said coworker makes it hurt even more. I’m not ready to work with him, I’m not ready to be yelled at by customers, I’m not ready to
be watched by customers while I fight with my sanity to make drinks for people. Yet when I consider taking a leave of absence, I can’t help to think that I’m going to be the biggest pain in the ass and my management team will resent me. My coworker BFF told me that I need to take time for myself, and that this is just coffee, and I realized how badly I’m sucked into it and I’ve only been here for 3 months.
However, I’m not ready to be back. Last Friday, the day after I found out, I found myself almost reacting badly to a customer, by either yelling or throwing her drink across the counter. A coworker has the same personality my brother had when we were younger and it hurt to be around him then, and even thinking about said coworker makes it hurt even more. I’m not ready to work with him, I’m not ready to be yelled at by customers, I’m not ready to
be watched by customers while I fight with my sanity to make drinks for people. Yet when I consider taking a leave of absence, I can’t help to think that I’m going to be the biggest pain in the ass and my management team will resent me. My coworker BFF told me that I need to take time for myself, and that this is just coffee, and I realized how badly I’m sucked into it and I’ve only been here for 3 months.
OneRoseDark 19 points 2y ago
Highly, highly, highly suggest using Lyra to find you a therapist that Starbucks will pay for. They can help you with the trauma of losing a family member, the guilt of not wanting to take time off, and the general balance of everyday life.
The store will get by without you -- no one is irreplaceable. If you vanished off the earth, Starbucks would go on. If you quit and just walked off the floor one day never to return, they would go on. If you transferred or gave notice or promoted or broke your leg or anything that switched up the schedule, they would be fine.
You should be your own first priority. It's great that you care about your team and your job. Really, that shows loyalty and character and good will toward your fellow humans! But you need to take care of yourself first and foremost. Take the time off if you need it. Bury yourself in hobbies, or blankets, or family time. Talk to a professional about your feelings. Lean on your support system. Starbucks will still be there next week or next month. We'll be ready for you when you come back.
The store will get by without you -- no one is irreplaceable. If you vanished off the earth, Starbucks would go on. If you quit and just walked off the floor one day never to return, they would go on. If you transferred or gave notice or promoted or broke your leg or anything that switched up the schedule, they would be fine.
You should be your own first priority. It's great that you care about your team and your job. Really, that shows loyalty and character and good will toward your fellow humans! But you need to take care of yourself first and foremost. Take the time off if you need it. Bury yourself in hobbies, or blankets, or family time. Talk to a professional about your feelings. Lean on your support system. Starbucks will still be there next week or next month. We'll be ready for you when you come back.
JesusGodYall 5 points 2y ago
Listen, I've never worked at Starbucks, but most of my career has been in facilities that are chronically understaffed and running on skeleton crews. It's very considerate of you to not want to make things harder on them, but sometimes you have to put yourself first. I tried to work the same week that my dad died and almost slugged my manager for sneak attack hugging me (which is a whole other thing but point being my gut reaction was not normal).
Take the leave, give yourself some time to deal. There is more to life than your job and assuming your cohorts are humans with emotions and a little bit of sympathy, they aren't going to hold it against you that you lost your brother unexpectedly. And if they do hold it against you, fuck 'em.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Take the leave, give yourself some time to deal. There is more to life than your job and assuming your cohorts are humans with emotions and a little bit of sympathy, they aren't going to hold it against you that you lost your brother unexpectedly. And if they do hold it against you, fuck 'em.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
rosesandthorns17 5 points 2y ago
Absolutely take the time that you need. You are worth more than how this company makes you feel- take the time to grieve and cope. you truly deserve it
SnooDonuts3398 3 points 2y ago
First off, I’m sorry for your loss. The store will survive without you. You come first, Starbucks is just a job and your coworkers are just that.
I’m going through a similar situation with a family member, I went to work yesterday and popped off on a customer hard (no apologies); I’m not going back for awhile either. Starbucks will still be there, I’ve gotta take care of me, and you need to take care of you.
As someone suggested, look into Lyra or something else to help you cope, it’s invaluable.
I’m going through a similar situation with a family member, I went to work yesterday and popped off on a customer hard (no apologies); I’m not going back for awhile either. Starbucks will still be there, I’ve gotta take care of me, and you need to take care of you.
As someone suggested, look into Lyra or something else to help you cope, it’s invaluable.
theprettyandreckless 1 points 2y ago
🖤 im very sorry for your loss. losing a close family member is one of the hardest things a person can go through. i’ve been with starbucks for about the same time & find myself having similar thoughts/feelings every now and again. ive found that it helps to remind yourself starbucks doesnt NEED any one individual, & that you and your well-being are the #1 priority. i can tell you’re a great/essential part of the team. it’s okay to take a step back and remove yourself.
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