Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Is this normal for a green bean fresh off training. (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by idontevenknowat
Today was my second shift after finishing my training and I was put on customer support for the first half of my shift, and then a mix of the hot bar and cold bar for the last half of my shift, and I was a total mess. I was so stressed out and felt like I was going to cry for most of my shift. At some points, I was left to do some of the hot bar stuff by myself and it was very stressful. I also had no recipe book, so I kept having to ask people what the recipes for the drinks were. I wanted to ask if this was normal for a green bean who has just finished my training. My barista trainer said it would most likely be a month or so until I start doing customer support or the hot or cold bar, so I was very shocked to hear that I would be doing both today when it is only my second shift on the floor not in training.
carlokuryo 7 points 2y ago
my first day off of training i was on customer support for mid/closing shift! it is a little bit odd that you were put on hot bar for so long tho, usually when green beans are put on bar, its cold bar because it a lot easier to learn. i was told the same thing, that i wouldnt be put on bar for months, but i was on cold and hot bar a lot my first few weeks. really depends what shifts you work because mid and closing youll usually get put on bar bc its less of a rush than morning peak.
just breathe and ask questions when youre overwhelmed! remember, its just coffee not a filet mignon. you can always remake it! we all make mistakes starting out.
just breathe and ask questions when youre overwhelmed! remember, its just coffee not a filet mignon. you can always remake it! we all make mistakes starting out.
idontevenknowat [OP] 3 points 2y ago
You're totally right about breathing and I know I shouldn't beat myself up but I just can't shake the feeling that I am in the way. It didn't help though and I should have also included this in the post that I was put on bar during our midday peak where we had to stop taking tickets out of the machine because we were so backed up on drinks and things got so busy that people were waiting 10-15 minutes to get their drinks. All of the staff was flustered and I felt like I was being berated, on top of poor communication all shift about what I was supposed to do and what needed to be done.
BuffyBoltonVampFlayr 3 points 2y ago
My manager lived throwing green beans to the wolves. She thinks that's the best way to learn, even though it very clearly fucked sooo much up.
DaybreakNightfall 1 points 2y ago
We don't do that at our store. I'd start you on frap or tea bar, making simpler things... and not during peak.
Warm_Car_3908 5 points 2y ago
Customer support is pretty safe, for the most part. It’s risky putting a new partner on bar, without guidance when it’s busy, but if it’s slow, the practice is good.
idontevenknowat [OP] 3 points 2y ago
Unfortunately it was very busy. We were very backed up on orders and someone told me that usually one of the busiest times at our store are mid days on Sundays, which is when I was on bar. The person working with me left me multiple times to help cold bar or restock stuff so I was left alone a few times, part of the reason why I was so confused as to why I was put on bar at that time.
Warm_Car_3908 3 points 2y ago
That’s rough. Not what I would do. If it keeps happening, you should tell them you don’t feel ready.
i_am_me47 3 points 2y ago
eh it depends. i’m three weeks in (only a week off training) and already have to do solo bar and solo DT all the time (and sometimes during peak) because we just need body’s. just remember that it’s good practice and that the more mistakes you make now, the less mistakes you’ll make in the future <3!!
nightkat89 1 points 2y ago
Solo DT is super easy tbh. It’s just a lot of multitasking.
faytyagami 1 points 2y ago
don’t be afraid to ask questions! we’ve all gone through this, and we remember that feeling of being lost and helpless. just know that you are expected to ask questions and make mistakes. when i first got put on bar, i didn’t know my head from my ass and i asked a question for nearly every ticket i got. it’s super overwhelming, but in time, you’ll start to get it—i promise. just try not to let it overwhelm you. it’s only coffee. i’m sure you’re doing a great job :)
nightkat89 1 points 2y ago
When you do the training for those positions, Starbucks treats it as “you are ready”.
The job Is VERY stressful. Period. Even for those who have been with the company for years. My recommendation is make flash cards for all recipes and study them. It’ll help you immensely.
Learn from others who do that role
And their tips and tricks to make your life easier
The job Is VERY stressful. Period. Even for those who have been with the company for years. My recommendation is make flash cards for all recipes and study them. It’ll help you immensely.
Learn from others who do that role
And their tips and tricks to make your life easier
Beardzesty 1 points 2y ago
Sounds like your shift was shit. They deployed you incorrectly and didn't check in on you. Can't be doing that to a green bean
Seraphim_Faye 1 points 2y ago
I am on week one after my training days. On Friday I was put on hot bar, which is what I am most uncomfortable with, got one mobile order of 9 drinks. I am standing there working slowly trying to remember everything and not freak out. I do have to say I bloody love my team because everyone was like you ok? I am like "Nope\~! I am freaking out\~!" They are like no don't do that you're fine. Then they grab a few of my stickers to help me crank out this order. The SSV was like "You're doing good you consistently making drinks, and all you need to practice your sequencing and you'll get better and faster." They were so supportive of me as I just am trying to not hyperventilate, and cry.
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