Every supervisor or lower I've known has had a roommate or S/O, a second job, or both. And/or they've still been supported by family members. I haven't known any supervisor or barista to live by themselves unsupported. Let alone supporting a family themselves. If you want any sort of financial stability I think you need to be at SM level and above. And that has its own bucket of worms.

I put myself through school working at Starbucks. I used Starbucks as a stepping stone. I turned down multiple offers of Starbucks wanting to make me a shift supervisor because i knew that my end goal was to leave Starbucks and get a career in my field of study. My advice to you is keep your focus on school and use Starbucks as they would use you.

If I was working 40 hours every week as a barista, I wouldn’t make enough money to pay for a one bedroom apartment in the city I live in.
I live with my SO and they work more than me, and get paid more than I do. So I dropped my hours at starbucks for my mental health. I contribute maybe 1/4 of rent a month and it’s about half of the money I make. I would not be able to live on my own. None of the people I work with live by themselves and fully support themselves. All the supervisors have an SO that they live with that has a better paying job. And yes, I know that for a fact, because I’ve talked to all of them about it. Most people have this job (at least at my store) for the benefits. I have it because I can’t find another job that pays similarly in my area. I currently make 3 dollars above minimum wage.

Ramen, expired food and basically living like a bum

Starbucks offers some pretty good benefits. Health insurance, a 401k, and stock options - all really nice things to have if you’re working somewhere full time. Not sure where you live but where I am baristas are getting paid upwards of $14 an hour and shifts are upwards of $17 (some ppl are even making upwards of $22, just depends on how long you’ve been with the company) and this before tips.

This type of income puts you just above the poverty line, assuming you’re living somewhere within your means, but it works. I have disposable income and I don’t really worry about making my rent/insurance payments/other bills every month. You won’t be rich but you can definitely make it work if you budget and live within your means.

the biweekly pay really sucks. especially since it just so happens that the days i do get paid, it’s when bills are due. i’m 21 and i don’t think starbucks is going to be my end goal. but i have a significant other that gets paid well and i also live with roommates so i don’t struggle as much. also with the new pay raise, this is the most i’ve ever made since i started working at 15. i do stress about finances often. i rent an apartment, my
mom allows me to drive her car so it’s not in my name, but i pay for insurance. it’s hard, tbh. if it wasn’t for my boyfriend, my roommates, and the support of my family, i could not financially stay at starbucks


edit to mention: i work full time, morning shifts. starbucks has a bunch of benefits not many other jobs offer. the free tuition is what drew me in

Communal living. I mean I would be living with this group regardless but I definately couldn't pay the bills without my polycule all living together and splitting bills 3 ways

I'm only 17, but I think I do pretty well managing my finances. I had my mom create a custodial investment account for me where I invest 60% of my paycheck per period. The remaining 40% is for me to spend on what I want. As for tips? They go into a box under my bed where I won't spend them. As teenagers, most of us don't have bills to pay, so I see it as the perfect time to save for the future.

Also, if you're looking into becoming a nurse, definitely look into your state's higher education commission (if they have one). For mine, they'll pay for your first two years at a community college, as long as that's your first degree. You can then transfer to a 4-year school and pay less tuition. If it's available to you, that's an option you can take to reduce potential debt! Dual-enrollment courses are also a great idea to do it possible. Good luck <3

We don't

I get by just fine, thankfully 😅 I own my house and car and three pets. My boyfriend just moved into my house so he pays some of the mortgage but I’ve been on my own for the past two years. Just a lot of budgeting and cutting costs where things aren’t necessary. It’s hard at first tbh

So I live with my fiancé who gets paid $2 more than me, so take that into consideration. I pay $725-$730 (depends on our heat usage) for rent (that is just my portion - my fiancé pays the same amount). I have 3 credit cards that I’m paying debt off of, a $142 loan for a surgery I had, a $300 car payment, and misc expenses (think internet, insurance, etc). I work 28-29 hours per week and I’m in school full time. Roughly, I still have about $150 a month left which I use to split groceries evenly with my fiance (we have a tesla, don’t pay for gas and our charging is free).

Now, my fiancé and I move to Los Angeles next month. I’ll get a $1 raise, roughly, and will push my hours up to 34 a week. I will pick up shifts as I need to help pay, but my fiance gets paid $4 more in LA than I do so he has offered to pay more rent so I don’t have to work 40 hours a week and do school full time (I study Psychology, its a lot of paper writing).

It is possible, but it always is hard. My fiancé and I would be way better off financially if we didn’t have to pay off credit card debt (with all of our cards combined, it would save like $600 a month) so wise advice - get a credit card because you need credit for basically everything, but be smart.

You cannot survive as a barista full time as an adult. Stick to your nursing plan. Look at nursetok. But also look at #thelastpizzaparty on TikTok and r/nursing so you know what you're getting into. BUT EVEN BETTER: Apply for a job as a patient sitter at a local hospital. You will get experience that will help you get into nursing school, and get to see what hospital life is like.

Patient sitters sit with high fall risk patients and make sure they don't get out of bed or pull out their tubes. You can be on your phone or read so you can do your studying while you're at work.

If you like it, you can move into being a patient care tech/CNA. But I recommend sitting first. Why? Because I wanted to be a CNA, but got hired as a sitter. Within my first week I realized I didn't want to be a CNA or nurse bc they have to deal with so much gross stuff. Now they want me to do that job but I decline, which I couldn't have done if I started off there (:

The girl who trained me my first day was a seventeen yr old student wanting to go to nursing. So u can do it (:

Patient sitters don't make a lot (usually around $12-13) but almost every facility pays night shift extra, so I make $14/hr. At your interview, if you plan to do night shift, just ask "is there a night shift differential?" It will show you're really interested and looks good in the interview. Also make sure to tell them you want to go into nursing.

The job can be extremely sad, I saw someone die my first day and it affected me more than I thought it would. BUT it is better than any Starbucks food or retail job I ever had. The nurses are eager to teach you!

If you realize nursing isn't for you, PLEASE do not let your backup plan be barista or any other food/retail job. Look into all the two year degrees that pay 70k+ that you can finish at community college: x-ray tech, sonography, dental hygiene, etc. Hell, even getting a cosmetologist license is better than Starbucks. I have friends who do hair that specialize in color and they make BANK, and it also allows you to go into brows/lashes which can make you a lot of $ too. Even during the pandemic rich people wanted their hair and face done. And you can eventually be your own boss. Not so with Starbucks.

Hi friend! I was a partner (barista the whole time) from September 2019-July 2021. I lived on my own (I paid rent, gas, groceries and utilities like water, electricity, and wifi) and my mom was very supportive of me and paid for my car, car insurance, health insurance, and phone bill. (I was 20/21, so it was pretty normal). I saved up about $1300 in tips from working full time. And I would try to save whatever of my paycheck I could. That money went pretty fast when I applied to nursing school. I had to take a 6 week chemistry course online to start my nursing program on time. That was about $800 gone. Then come a $1000 in scrubs and textbooks. I worked until about 6 months in my program before I decided I needed to solely focus on school bc I’m a terrible student. My mom helped support me, but before then I was working Saturday/Sunday. I think if you’re determined, you can work enough hours to pay at least rent split with a roommate, however I wanted to work as little as humanly possible. I’m free to answer any questions, and remember this is just my life and my situation (I live in a place with low cost of living as well)

l o l

poorly

I’m a shift supervisor and live in the suburbs of a major city! It’s really expensive and challenging at first! BUT if you can HUSSLE you can do it!

I go to school part time, work full time & live with my partner (she’s a barista) in an apartment. I pay 3/4 rent, pay for student loans and we split household expenses. And I bought a car last summer that I make payments toward every month. It’s not easy, I don’t feel financially ~stable~ yet, but we’re determined! And we get by alright. It IS doable! Get your credit going as soon as you can and learn how to budget really well !!

Best of luck OP! We’re routing for you!!❤️👍

i only work at starbucks during the summer, but the rest of the year i’m a full time college student and work three different barista jobs. so if your wondering how being a barista is- yeah probably not the best bet

S.O.

I know that and I’m trying to get into university but I struggle academically and socially as I have ADHD and Dyslexia I struggle heavily with academics and I’m afraid I won’t succeed in a university or college environment so I wanted to know my options within Starbucks if I don’t succeed in university or college

Barely.

these replies ): its sad that starbucks claims they pay us based off the cost of living in our areas but yet like everyone says.. no one can support themselves without roomates or living w parents..

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SSV here, trying to support just myself and my dog. Honestly, as a career choice this company isn’t a great option. It can be done, if you reach the SM level or higher, or if you go into one of the related branches like the facilities contact center, but if you have other options I highly recommend prioritizing them first. This company makes billions of dollars in profit and can afford to be constantly expanding, but would rather make deals for employee perks like Spotify premium than pay an actual living wage to all of their partners. Don’t make this a primary plan for longer than you have to, especially if you aren’t taking advantage of the ASU online perk.

so a while back ago my dad kinda kicked me out (he asked me to be moved out by a certain date). i’m a shift & a full time student. i’m also paying for school on my own.

so my rent is 680, bills (electricity & internet) usually amount to 90-120/month & i’m on food stamps. i make around 1300/month (working 30-35hrs/wk). & i use tip money as my spending money for the week. i take full advantage of the partner food mark outs so i have at least one meal a day.

i also have a budget notebook that i set spending goals, keep all of my receipts, and track all of my spending. setting and sticking to a good budget is 100% going to be your best friend. if your a student take full advantage of student discounts! i do that, as well as, clip any digital coupon that i can.

it’s really tight but i get by comfortably. thankfully i have an amazing support system who will/do help me financially if needed, but i haven’t had to utilize them yet.

i'm a barista and i wait tables on weekends in order to supplement paying my rent lol. absolutely do not make a living wake at the bux. my rent is around 825/850 a month and i make about 15-1600 a month as a full time barista, considering that i have to buy groceries and other bills, just working here doesn't cut it

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When I made $11.50 as a supervisor, I was barely getting by with a $700 studio apartment, no car, and basically no takeout or nights out. I had a very strict budget and was doing okay for myself but it was definitely a lower quality of life.

Now I'm at $17.78 and split some expenses with a partner, so I have a bigger apartment (still 1B1b until we move in together), access to a car, and more ability to go out and afford some luxuries. We'll even probably be able to afford a decent small wedding someday.

Depends where you are, what your pay rate is, what the COL in your area is. I've been able to support myself as an SSV without a roommate, second job, or support from family -- but I'm frugal as hell and lucked out on a cheapass apartment.

You absolutely cannot support yourself on Starbucks pay. Starbucks is a part time job that's worth it because the benefits are excellent. You'll need another gig to make money.

we don’t. hope this helps!!!

when i was a barista full time, i lived with a roommate. no car, three bedroom apt. eventually i got another job and was working both at the same time. i’ve heard it’s doable being a barista and supporting yourself but it depends on the cost of living in your area

Hi! I am currently in nursing school, and have to live at home and commute to campus because I cannot afford rent in the city where my school is. I’m currently working 24-32 hours a week at 16.20 an hour and that is not enough to provide me with the ability to move out and pay for other necessities like food (at least where I live).

Stay at starbucks and go to school. They will partially reimburse you for your first degree if you're in the states.
Practically no corporation pays living wages. This is not an exception.

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I’m having such a hard time deciding if i should leave target for Starbucks, target is extremely toxic.

I would consider myself extremely fortunate. I have a car that I’ve already paid off, so that’s a big expense I don’t have to worry about. I come from a low-income family, so I knew I’d be on my own as soon as I left the house. That opportunity arose in the state I used to live in (and now currently do), so I moved states by myself. I now live with a nice couple on a farm, where I can afford rent, even if it’s not living on my own. I had to pick up 2 other jobs since my Starbucks manager couldn’t give me more than 20-22 hours a week. I was lucky enough to find a secondary job that supports my hobbies (knitting and crocheting) and the third is only about 3 hours a week and it’s usually right after my Starbucks shifts. Back in my old state Starbucks was enough, since my biggest expense was my car at the time. Here, everything kind of fell into place financially, however I have zero free time between all three jobs and also school, so if you want a big social life I would not recommend taking on big financial responsibilities like rent and an expensive monthly car payment.

Okay. I’ll be honest, but my first year with sbux I only managed because my store was absolutely in crisis. Horrible management, flaky and toxic baristas and management. And ultimately lack of management. So I was working A LOT. I took my bankers advice and made sure to pay myself first on payday. We do work hard for our money, we deserve to enjoy it. So I ALWAYS pulled money for my savings first. I have an auto thing set up so every two weeks (on payday) it pulls $25 to put in savings. And the first paycheck of the month I put an additional $100 into my savings. And if I wanted anything for myself I was only allowed to use tips for it (lots of tattoos were gotten😅). However back then I didn’t have a vehicle. And lived at home.

As for post car and all that. Starbucks isn’t realistic. The base pay isn’t enough (even with the little “raises”). Even if I worked 40 hour weeks. Starbucks is good for a first time job. To get the experience, have your own money you made yourself. And that type of savings I had back when I first started really helped me. But imo, being a barista with this company isn’t really worth it if it’s your only source of income. It’s far from enough to live on.

I no longer work for corporate Starbucks anymore. I’m with a franchised location with a different employer entirely.

If you try that savings method I hope it helps.😊

I was able to as a shift but I had to have roommates. If I didn’t there was no way I could live on my own at shift pay. I would not bank on Starbucks unless you plan on promoting all the way to a salary position, then I know my managers all live pretty well off. But idk the specifics

We don't.

If I am very lucky and get 35+ hours a week it can work. But most location you don't work over 20 hours a week and need a 2nd job to live

we don’t :,)

Starbucks isnt a career. Its a job until you finish school and get a real job.

I have 2 jobs and I live on my own. I'm currently a barista only, it is hard but definitely possible. Budgeting is a skill that I have learned from ups and downs.

I dont. Im about to become homeless bc they dont pay a living wage.

So, everyone here is pretty much right. Just starting out, you won’t be making enough to support yourself without a roommate as a general rule. However, Starbucks (usually) does yearly raises and by the time you are supporting yourself at 18 or 20, you’ll be making two - four dollars more an hour than you are now. If you decide to become a barista trainer or a shift lead, that’ll be a little more in your pocket. As a barista trainer, it’ll be little bonuses here and there, and as a shift lead, it’ll be several dollars more an hour.

I recently quit and am trying to come back, but I was not full-time. Baristas rarely get scheduled full-time. I made $10/hr. I was financially stable. I own a car. My father bought it from an impound lot before I started working as a barista. It was a rare, great find at a great price. I only had the one job. I live alone. The reason I was financially stable is I live in a government-subsized apartment complex (HUD, Section 8) and receive SNAP benefits.

I'm a shift making close to double my states minimum wage now, it would be incredibly difficult to live comfortably if my wife didn't also have a similarly paying job.

hi! i’m 19 and a freshman in college so i was in your shoes not too long ago. i was making decent money working 25-30 hours during the summer, maybe like $600/check? not entirely sure. all i really have to say is try to save 50% or more of your paychecks. yes, that much. if you live at home with your parents and don’t have a whole lot of expenses that’s what i would recommend. it really helped set me up for success with college. try your hardest in high school to get a scholarship for college!! the school i’m going to gives me free tuition. i believe in you!!

I have a roommate with two jobs. I have college, get 14-20 hours a week here and then 10+ hours on apps like waitr and Instacart. We still struggle with $1500 monthly. I do wig commissions on the side, he does cosplay ears.

Roommate and boyfriend 💀