Look, its tough at first like u/wizardsticker says, but theyre right about it being smooth after the transition! I just had my one year a few days ago and I got promoted at 11 months in August. I keep calm on the outside but Im naturally high wired and always think about what needs to get done. That multiplies 10 fold on my keyholder shifts. Its tough at first to manage breaks and manage your shift stuff along with what would need to get done, hell even to manage yourself, but a good team you really vibe with makes it that much more rewarding. Plus it looks GREAT on your resume. For reference, Im a closing barista turned shift closer who does full time college work with 32 hour weeks who self deprecates like crazy. If I can, you sure as hell can, go get em. ( sorry for the book 😂 )

A position will pop up down the line if you really want it. I don’t think it was a bad idea for you to recognize your limits and take it easy. I was just promoted about five months ago and I just started at a new school as well - went to community college last year and did horribly, trying my luck living on campus at a university this year. I told my SM I can’t work as much and while I’m working less, I wish she’d schedule me what I actually asked for (25 hrs max) but being a shift makes it so that you can’t be guaranteed hours like that. I tried requesting two weeks off to catch a break and visit some family and friends but was denied bc again I’m a shift and that’s too long for me to be gone. And my store has a lot of shifts, so many that we usually have 2 shifts on the floor at once and it’s not uncommon to see three or more. It can be stressful for sure and sometimes it feels like babysitting but tbh I still like being a shift at the end of the day. I do wish I enjoyed being just a barista for longer but like someone else said, the pay increase is very nice. I’m able to keep up with my tuition payments every month and pretty much break even without dipping into my savings too much. That also means I’m able to work less and still get a decent paycheck. If you still want it and think you can handle it, next time the position comes around, I say go for it. As others have said it’s a good thing to put on your resume.

I’ve been a shift now going on three years, I remember the transition being a bit hard at first and it can definitely be more stressful because it feels like the responsibility is all on you but if you have experience and a good team behind you I think you can do it! You just have to make sure your manager is willing to give you the support and training you need to succeed. As a side note, i way prefer bing a shift and the pay increase is a good bonus too.