Ex-partner x2 here. I worked at Starbucks 2013-2018, then Mar 2021 - Oct 2021 before landing (what I thought was) a more stable full time job.

Spoiler alert: it was not.

Now I’m thinking about returning to Starbucks. I will say, I definitely enjoyed my time during my first five years more than I enjoyed it this last time. With the recipe changes, new policies, COVID, it wasn’t my favorite - plus I was starting at an EXTREMELY high volume store for our area, and they didn’t really train me again because I’d spent five years with the company previously. (Which is whatever, but things had changed, so it would’ve been nice to know them beforehand and not told them while doing something wrong on the floor.)

I don’t think the pay has changed for every store in my area, though. Last year, I was making $13 for the few months I spent as a SSV, but I know they were talking about raising pay. I see barista postings on indeed around here from $10-$15 an hour, so who knows.

But I’m only making $16 now, they’re cutting my hours, and I’m considering moving back to the bux and working my way up this time. As long as I can find a location around me paying at least $15.

SO. Baristas and SSVs of Reddit, how are we liking it nowadays? I know the company is under a lot of fire for the union stuff, but as a day to day job, how are we feeling? Pros/cons? Advice? Etc?

I’m in Louisville, KY if that matters.