Highly Satisfied
Last updated Jan 26 2025
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Barista Reviews
What is it like working as a Barista?
February 2015
Be valued.
Barista:
Don't let your employer undervalue your skills.
Work hard.
Not everyone can be a good barista so if your boss isn't appreciating what you bring to the cafe, find somewhere that does.
It isn't as mentally easy as people think.
January 2015
Love it!
Barista:
Pros: The business and the people.
Cons: Always training new people.
December 2014
Don't stay long if you don't have to!
Barista:
I wish I had started looking for other jobs as soon as I started in food service. It was just supposed to be for a few months! And then I got promoted, and then I had health benefits, and now leaving the job isn't just quitting, it's a full transition from one feild to another. It's a headache and I'd rather just be making more money in a field I actually want to work in.
December 2014
Is all about coffee.
Barista:
Pros: I love coz is a passion job and I learn each and every day.
Cons: Only the salary because people really like what am doing.
December 2014
Barista:
Pros: It's essentially getting paid to share your personal, signature product to the world.
Cons: Bad customers. People don't take coffee as seriously in USA as they do in other parts of the world and this leaves a gap of respect for the actual craftsmanship involved with coffee making. Both biased and subjective, it's fun but it is what you make it.
November 2014
An Excellent Job for Students.
Barista:
Pros: I love the customers. Getting to know the regulars and having their drinks ready before they finish placing their order is a wonderful feeling. Being the compassionate ear for them after a challenging day and helping them leave in a better mood than they came in really makes it all worth it for me.
The perks are amazing. A free pound of coffee, can of tea, package of VIA, or box of Chai concentrate every week. A 30% discount on most items, plus a 40% discount during partner shopping week. These are from the moment you are hired. After six months, you qualify for medical, dental, extended health, AD&D insurance, Life insurance, etc for you, your spouse, and your children as long as you work the minimum number of hours required. You may opt in to the Stock Investment Plan, where you can have up to 10% of every pay check put towards purchasing Starbucks stocks at a discounted price. You may opt in to the RRSP plan, where your contributions are matched by the company.
Cons: Like with any customer service job, you will run across less than agreeable customers. I've found the best way to manage those situations is to try to find some way to connect with them and try to make them one of the regulars. If they are particular about their drink, find out how to make it perfect.
I have found it challenging to meet the frequently changing requirements to become a shift supervisor and have watched baristas that I have trained get promoted ahead of me with one of my previous managers. I am sincerely hoping I can be what my latest manager needs me to be to become a shift supervisor.
There has been a pointed focus on suggestive selling in recent years, so if you are uncomfortable making recommendations to customers, this is not a great fit. However, if you love the products and love talking about them, are willing to put yourself out there to make suggestions, and love people, this is an excellent fit.
October 2014
Fun, challenging and fullfilling.
Barista:
Pros: Meeting new people everyday and being able to change their perception on coffee.
Cons: Its taxing as you have to work long hours and poor remuneration.
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