There are fewer shifts per store, so it is much much harder to find coverage if you want to swap shifts or have someone take one of yours. It's often simply not possible. My store only has two primary closers, and if that other person isn't willing to take my shift I'm often SOL unless my manager calls other stores.

Also, shifts are officially required to have more availability and to work more hours per week. Beyond the official requirement, many stores will only hire shifts with near full-time availability. This varies pretty widely though, depends on the store. Additionally, it really helps to be available for either open or close, since both are usually harder to find shift coverage for. If you're willing to do one or the other on a regular basis you might have better luck.

I’ve found most stores want shifts with open availability, this is because stores have few SSVs and if one is sick they need another to be able to come in and cover. Stuff like that, since the store cannot be open without an SSV or SM present.

Personally, it was a nice break. Custies are still cuckoo but it was nice for my sanity to remember “this is my PT gig… don’t take them seriously”. It was nice for my brain break. Good luck with your decision :)

In that case, I'd consider promoting more carefully. Being a SSV involves a lot more emotional labor than a barista, and also doesn't give you that brain break where you can get in the zone making drinks, since you always have to be monitoring the floor and like, making sure you don't miss any lunches or whatever. You also have to deal with the cash handling and inventory management/ordering, which some people find stressful. In my area, I also have to handle the issue of homeless people hanging out in our store; they're mostly totally chill and good people, but a few are disruptive and several have even been dangerous. As shift, these things are your responsibility; a couple times a day, I have to ask someone to leave the bathroom because they've been in there for ten minutes using the sink as a bath. I don't blame them for it or anything, but it takes an emotional toll.

But it definitely does provide that break from being chained to your email, for sure.

I'm speaking as someone who left my professional job and returned as SSV (at 33). I find it pretty stressful, personally, more than I had anticipated.