Question speaks for itself. I've been here for 3 months and already, this job has spiraled me into literal depression. I'm not asking whether or not those feelings are an exaggeration. I know what I feel and am entitled to that.

What I'm asking is whether or not quitting is the solution. Does it get any better? Is this a slump that every new barista goes through that I should suck up? Is this just every food service job? Just asking for someone to put this into perspective for me. How much of this is starbucks related and how much is just me? I will also add that I don't have a problem with the customer service part. I'm okay with rude customers. I'm okay with inconsiderate customers. Every problem I have is with the back of house. Which makes me think that it's not the food service part I dislike. Just the incredibly fake atmosphere.

My manager shows obvious favoritism. I'm one of only a couple male baristas at the store. I literally heard her say, "I liked it better when it was all females working here". I get told conflicting information and get in trouble for it. Not just that, but many of the existing baristas seem to have a problem with the male baristas too. I'm pretty close friends with one of the shifts (one of the few good people at that store), and she has admitted to me that she notices males being treated differently. I don't have any specific cases that, on their own, should be reported to HR. It's just a general observation that me and others have noticed.

I'm not an idiot, but I feel like one when I work there. My mental health has deteriorated so much since working here, to the point where I started going to therapy, but it hasn't particularly been helping.

Thanks in advance, to anyone who reads this.