Being a barista is a tough job. I'm not even going to sugar coat it for you. It's a very stressful and draining job, yet there are many so many wonderful things about it, not including good tips and cream of the crop insurance. There are many things that being a barista entails, sans making lattes and cappuccinos. Anyway, here are 12 things I learned from being a barista at Starbucks for over six months now.
1. Memorization is key to literally everything. Not only does a barista have to memorize how many pumps of what flavor syrup and how many shots of espresso go into your latte, but we have to memorize how to sequence at least two drinks at once so that we don't have customers yelling at us. We also have food, so we have to memorize how long they last for, label them, and know when to defrost them in time for the next rush. You have to know when to brew, what to stock in what order and how to get tasks that others can't before the coffee expires and you have to brew again (which can be as quick as 8 minutes fyi). It's stressful. And truth be told, that is seriously not even close to being the tip of the iceberg. People rely on you , so that definitely adds to the stress.
Aside from how to make drinks and keep the store running, we are expected to remember our regulars' drinks and assist new customers and remember their names and new drinks. People will be offended if they've been coming for years and the barista doesn't know their drink. It can hurt their feelings and the business.
2. Learn how to take a yelling at. Imaging this: you have to restock espresso beans, hot grande lids, there's a long line of people waiting to get their mochas and butterscotch lattes, in the middle of a rush, and drive through is wrapping around the store. Guys, this happens. Literally every day. It's gonna happen and you'd better expect to be yelled at because a fellow barista needs help. Don't take it personal, and help them out.
3. Learn how to yell. You'll be screwed if you don't.
4. You are the supplier of energy in the morning. Okay, this I knew even before I got the job. People are going to be crabby in the morning, until they have their coffee. You will get eye-rolls, morning slurs, and just general bi***y people. You're gonna give them what they need to become human. Don't be offended, just put on a smile.
5. Smile. Say thank you. Even when you don't want to. This is what will win you regulars, friends, tips and even free Lyft rides (in my personal experience).
6. Tips are a real thing, and people will tip big if they receive good service. Guys, I'm not trying to brag, but I've earned several $20 tips just because I know how to have a conversation with people. It's a thing. The largest tip I've ever gotten was from a police officer who decided to put $37 in the tip jar after joking around about something I can't even remember. Don't slack and it'll make a big difference.
7. Don't slack. We have never really had a surplus of baristas on the floor when we needed it most, so when one person slows down, even the tiniest bit, it affects us a lot. Since one of Starbuck's main focuses behind the counter is timing, things usually run in blocks of 30 seconds. Say an order has a frappuccino and a bacon sandwich, but the sandwich sticker is ignored for even fifteen seconds during a rush, that sets us back a bit, especially if there are more sandwiches to go in. Also, each shift is designed to set up the one that follows. Openers prepare the bars, morning sets up for mid shift by getting through the rush and keeping things as stocked as possible. Mid shift cleans and does the weekly assignments and sets up for the evening crew, who set up for the morning shift and so forth. It's a lot and one mistake can make the dominos fall for the next crew.
8. You can get addicted to caffeine. About four days ago I went home early with a severe migraine where I was throwing up. Reason: caffeine withdrawal. (Well, at least I think...)
9. You had no idea how much sugar was in your drink. Guys, one pump of syrup flavoring averages 80 calories. In a medium drink, 4 pumps. Whipped cream. Milk. Guys, it's bad. I literally gained 30 pounds (I'm not kidding) from stress and drinks. (Okay, I love eating too, that might not be helping.) Just get nonfat milk, half the pumps and no whip. That should help.
10. You will be hit on. It's gonna happen. People misinterpret your kindness for 'interest'. I've had someone kicked out of my store for bad behavior on that end. It can get pretty bad. That's why I wear a "wedding ring" so people leave me alone, and suggest that many of my other friends do exactly the same. Honestly, we sometimes think that people just want to be creepy.
11. We love Snapchat. Fact.
12. You're working with your family. You have each other's backs and you help them out. You talk with them after work and develop friendships that, although they can be very dysfunctional, mean something. Never hold feuds long and you should be good. :)
Anyway, there's my two-cents on what I've learned from being a barista. Enjoy!:)
