I’m currently a barista at a small local shop where management has only really *managed* to chase off good workers and hire in relatives of theirs who flake on their shifts often, which no real repercussions. Recently, one of the girls came and told me that our main manager had been complaining about my health issues and stated plans to fire me soon once she gets enough trained staff to do so.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about working at Starbucks, but I’ve also heard a lot of things about being mistreated and how bad the shortages were - or maybe still are? One ex Starbucks employee I know who only just left told me now is the worst time to apply because stores are attempting to unionize, but he’s also anti-union whereas I’m not really that educated on the matter so it doesn’t really sway me?

I know summer tends to be a chaotic time everywhere with new hires, but I have previous experience both at my current shop and at Tim Hortons’s - although my current place doesn’t have drive thru so it’s been a while since I’ve handled a headset. Would it be worth applying right now, even with potential shortages, the summer rush and attempts at unionization?