Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Unsure what to do (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by caitaycaaat
Hi everyone! I’m fairly new to Starbucks, only a month in, and I’m a bit stuck on what to do or if I should even do anything. I don’t feel comfortable talking to anyone at my store since I don’t really know who I can trust now.
Since I’ve been here, I’ve been experiencing some comments made to me that I just…. Don’t appreciate. I’ve been laughed at by someone, my first day (literally just training) that same person accused me of doing something wrong even though my trainer and I had never gone over whatever she was freaked out about. I told a shift lead about it and she said she could address it but I decided against it since I was new and they mostly work another shift time anyways. But my main concern is with another partner. Before today, they made me pretty uncomfortable with the fact that they decided to give me a nickname… And it was a fat joke. Which is really shitty. I didn’t say anything and the nickname went away, but today while I was on a 10 minute break, this person was going on about something on the headset and then I heard my name. When I started paying attention, they were talking about “could you imagine THEM as a shift lead?” Don’t think they knew I was still in the store with my headset
I keep telling myself I don’t care if people talk about me, because it’ll happen anywhere, but I just don’t feel comfortable now. I don’t know if I should talk to my store manager about it bc I don’t want to be seen as difficult, or sensitive, or for them to know I told her. It’s just making me rethink this job now, which I was really enjoying and thought I was getting along with everyone on my shifts. Idk. Wanted outside advice.
TLDR; having an internal conflict on what to do about hearing another partner talk about me, after already having been told a fat joke by them. Worried about being seen as difficult or sensitive.
Since I’ve been here, I’ve been experiencing some comments made to me that I just…. Don’t appreciate. I’ve been laughed at by someone, my first day (literally just training) that same person accused me of doing something wrong even though my trainer and I had never gone over whatever she was freaked out about. I told a shift lead about it and she said she could address it but I decided against it since I was new and they mostly work another shift time anyways. But my main concern is with another partner. Before today, they made me pretty uncomfortable with the fact that they decided to give me a nickname… And it was a fat joke. Which is really shitty. I didn’t say anything and the nickname went away, but today while I was on a 10 minute break, this person was going on about something on the headset and then I heard my name. When I started paying attention, they were talking about “could you imagine THEM as a shift lead?” Don’t think they knew I was still in the store with my headset
I keep telling myself I don’t care if people talk about me, because it’ll happen anywhere, but I just don’t feel comfortable now. I don’t know if I should talk to my store manager about it bc I don’t want to be seen as difficult, or sensitive, or for them to know I told her. It’s just making me rethink this job now, which I was really enjoying and thought I was getting along with everyone on my shifts. Idk. Wanted outside advice.
TLDR; having an internal conflict on what to do about hearing another partner talk about me, after already having been told a fat joke by them. Worried about being seen as difficult or sensitive.
Emperor_Palpapeen 10 points 1y ago
Talk To Your Manager!! They should have your back. Just express that it makes you uncomfortable, that it's making you rethink working here. If your manager is a good one, this should be an easy fix to a partner who just needs to be reminded that they aren't better than any other partners. Hope this helps, and sorry you have to go through this :(
bmm0528 4 points 1y ago
It makes me angry you even have to come here because you don't know what to do. You shouldn't be in that position. Why can't EVERY JOB, not just Starbucks, be kind or at least tolerate coworkers and try to help each other succeed. It irritates me to no end. I wish I could give you some advice, but as an anxious af person I run from things. You aren't difficult or sensitive, you deserve to work in an environment you don't hate (because let's be honest, work is work lol) I hope things get better. I'm sending you love and confidence and strength❤️❤️
Elmo_the_Dragon 2 points 1y ago
You should definitely talk to your manager. First off, you have just as much right to feel safe and content at work as anyone else. If someone is making you feel uncomfortable and like you can't then you should talk to your manager.
Second, they shouldn't be talking like that to other partner or over headsets. My rule of thumb is, if you wouldn't involve the customer in the conversation, it shouldn't be happening on the floor or over headset.
Third, this is harassment and your manager should hear about it. It doesn't matter if the other person is a shift or barista, it is not okay. Like I get being annoyed with other partners sometimes but this is not that. You should for sure speak up.
Fourth, I'm sorry that there is someone creating a toxic environment for you. There is a pretty steep learning curve right off the bat so it can be hard to get going. Sounds like you were doing good though and I think you should stick with it. But I would 100% talk to your manager, or even DM about this situation.
Second, they shouldn't be talking like that to other partner or over headsets. My rule of thumb is, if you wouldn't involve the customer in the conversation, it shouldn't be happening on the floor or over headset.
Third, this is harassment and your manager should hear about it. It doesn't matter if the other person is a shift or barista, it is not okay. Like I get being annoyed with other partners sometimes but this is not that. You should for sure speak up.
Fourth, I'm sorry that there is someone creating a toxic environment for you. There is a pretty steep learning curve right off the bat so it can be hard to get going. Sounds like you were doing good though and I think you should stick with it. But I would 100% talk to your manager, or even DM about this situation.
oooortcloud 2 points 1y ago
Talk to your manager, or perhaps a trusted shift. I’m very sure that you’re not the only coworker she’s targeted this way.
annaxzhen 1 points 1y ago
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It’s completely valid to feel as though you can’t trust anyone after something like this. I’ve been there, and it’s the reason I left my previous job. You’re not overreacting at all, and the fat joke tidbit just pissed me off so much. I would first talk to your shift privately and explain that you don’t feel comfortable talking to the culprits themselves. If that conversation doesn’t do you good, please take this matter higher up to the DM and you could even look into the ethics and compliance hotline. Again, I’m so sorry you’re going through this and if you want support or just want to talk, please DM me!
Kitabparast 1 points 1y ago
My SM made one thing clear: under no circumstances is disrespect allowed. Period. She had my back when I had a somewhat explosive “discussion” with a difficult partner who was very disrespectful and hurtful to me.
This is unacceptable. Talk to your SM. Let them know you feel uncomfortable.
If this is only one partner talking about you, ask others around you if they have feedback on how you can do better. Sometimes what they say reveals what others are saying about your performance that is taken seriously. You may be surprised how many people are actually on your side.
There’s a partner who has it for me. She’s constantly bad-mouthing me. But it doesn’t bother me anymore because no one takes her seriously. More importantly, my SM made it clear she doesn’t pay any attention to her: the SM’s opinions of me are based on my performance.
This is unacceptable. Talk to your SM. Let them know you feel uncomfortable.
If this is only one partner talking about you, ask others around you if they have feedback on how you can do better. Sometimes what they say reveals what others are saying about your performance that is taken seriously. You may be surprised how many people are actually on your side.
There’s a partner who has it for me. She’s constantly bad-mouthing me. But it doesn’t bother me anymore because no one takes her seriously. More importantly, my SM made it clear she doesn’t pay any attention to her: the SM’s opinions of me are based on my performance.
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