ADVERTISEMENT

Any job is difficult if you care about its outcome. But not every worker has to hear about it from customers. Baristas are one of the "lucky" ones that do.

As Gowri Chandra has beautifully put it, we Americans worship at the altar of craft coffee, reveling in its complexity and revering its art form. But we've still managed to commodify the very people who make it: the baristas. So if we believe in the artistry of baristas — and it looks like we do — why are we treating them as unskilled, expendable labor?

From everything baristas are posting online about their job, it's clear that we, the clients, are the main cause of their headaches. Of course, they have other problems too, but probably none can screw up their day as we do. Continue scrolling to learn what trials and tribulations await baristas every single day, and who knows, maybe if their confessions get plenty of attention, people will be kinder to them? Let's hope so.

All of these experiences might seem scary and really demanding when you're just starting out. "Many service industry roles aren't full-time, which often means you're ineligible for most employer-sponsored benefits," former Starbucks barista Mekita Rivas explained. "Calling out sick can have negative consequences in the workplace, especially one where you can't just 'work from home.'"

However, the job can also prepare you for the future. Now, Rivas is balancing a full-time day job, a growing freelance business, relationships with loved ones, as well as her other needs and goals. That sounds like a lot, but she said it's within her energy levels. "Although working my way through school was challenging, my hustle is what got me my degree," she said.

That job has helped her understand that 'work-life balance' means whatever you want it to. "It's whatever makes you feel comfortable and in control. I am still trying to decipher what that looks like for this chapter in my life, but I know I'm on my way to figuring it out."

#3

Every Peak At Least 5 Times

Every Peak At Least 5 Times

memesluterika Report

#4

Just A Reminder For Those Who’ve Forgotten That We Are Human Too

Just A Reminder For Those Who’ve Forgotten That We Are Human Too

ewrege Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#6

I Tried Hard To Cheer Up My Regular Karen And She Grabbed A Straw And Mixed My Little Art And Her Ungrateful Ass Said:i Dint Ask For No Stupid Drawing

I Tried Hard To Cheer Up My Regular Karen And She Grabbed A Straw And Mixed My Little Art And Her Ungrateful Ass Said:i Dint Ask For No Stupid Drawing

Marangeliie Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Just A Psa To The Customers:

Just A Psa To The Customers:

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
manusal avatar
El muerto
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sadly...the self-satisfaction to tramp all over someone that has to do their jobb, to compensate for the feelings of shrinking self-worth and hurt ego, people thinks comes with the coffee

View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

“You Need To Be Connecting With Every Customer At The Window!”

“You Need To Be Connecting With Every Customer At The Window!”

Grrrista Report

#11

Starbucks Employees Hate When You Scream Your Order At Them

Starbucks Employees Hate When You Scream Your Order At Them

JaydonBlank Report

#12

Every Store Has One (Or Several)

Every Store Has One (Or Several)

josborn94 Report

#13

Starbucks Employees Hate When You Hang Around Past Closing

Starbucks Employees Hate When You Hang Around Past Closing

skeletonvibes69 Report

#14

Karen Strikes Again!

Karen Strikes Again!

SeriousStarbs Report

Add photo comments
POST
mb_number5 avatar
What's In Your Head?
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In all fairness, while this is true to some extent, it doesn't necessarily work that way. I can only speak for myself, but I have no desire to visit any stores on holidays. However, if they happen to be open, it might actually come in handy sometimes and I might drop by. I will definitely feel sorry for the person working, but they are not open because I MUST shop there on said holiday. They are open because their asshat boss wants to scrape in some extra dough, even if there are hardly any customers.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#15

Do You Have Any Regulars That You Just Look At And You’re Instantly Annoyed?

Do You Have Any Regulars That You Just Look At And You’re Instantly Annoyed?

ejbailey1995 Report

#18

Starbucks Employees Hate When You Launch Into A Completely One-Sided Order

Starbucks Employees Hate When You Launch Into A Completely One-Sided Order

mmndz7 Report

#19

Psa

Psa

YeahYoss Report

#20

Sundays Really Be Like That Tho

Sundays Really Be Like That Tho

Blipblipbloop Report

#21

Tbh

Tbh

life_iscraZZy Report

Add photo comments
POST
manusal avatar
El muerto
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

they'll probably try to make you a zombie, if they could....is all for the team

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

Just Gonna Leave This Here

Just Gonna Leave This Here

nicool_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
katie_a_c_wilson avatar
Out of chocolate
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup. It definitely is. It’s almost like workers need better pay and more protection.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

Forgot The Extra Drizzle.

Forgot The Extra Drizzle.

Cowboycashmoney Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#25

When Customers Ask For Something Like This

When Customers Ask For Something Like This

tigerwang Report

#27

When You're In The Back Doing Dishes, But You Have To Go Out And Greet A Customer:

When You're In The Back Doing Dishes, But You Have To Go Out And Greet A Customer:

rhotle Report

#28

Just Received This From Corporate In Regards To Covid-19

Just Received This From Corporate In Regards To Covid-19

GoAvsGo Report

#29

Psa: Please Don’t Leave Stuff Like This In The Tip Jar. Politics Aside, It’s A Really Childish And Insulting Gesture. Thank You

Psa: Please Don’t Leave Stuff Like This In The Tip Jar. Politics Aside, It’s A Really Childish And Insulting Gesture. Thank You

lost_wayward_son Report

Add photo comments
POST
james_fox1984 avatar
carlosferreira_1 avatar
Losferatu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Especially because there's a giant turd on it. Seriously. Only the idiots in the cult of trumpsterfire do s**t like this.

Load More Replies...
eb_3 avatar
E B
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's also religious tracts that are printed to look like money, when I worked retail I used to be all excited cause I found some cash. I would have found their proselytizing more believable if they put their message of love on real money...

onpegasus avatar
Linda Harms
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The trump cult does not care what they deface. They put his picture on US flags and turn them into ugly, crass campaign posters, too.

athenagurl avatar
Athena Gurl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bleh, who would even do that, who would even GET THOSE!!!!!🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

ammittai_is_available avatar
Lisa Shelton
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a great way to make absolute SURE that someone doesn't vote for him.

victoriapegoraro avatar
Victoria
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone once left a fortune from a fortune cookie in a tip jar that said "Improve yourself. Practice makes perfect" like wtf were the cheap bastards implying???

jack_candy avatar
Jack Candy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There will never be a dollar bill like that. And if - we're all doomed.

lilygrace avatar
Lily Grace
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I ever work at Starbucks and I see some KAREN put this is the tip jar I will lose it and proceed to PERSONALLY escort her out of the shop.

lynnnoyes avatar
elfin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Assuming this was done by a trump supporter, it seems odd that it's such an unflattering picture. I guess they couldn't find one that makes him look good.

doreenpinkham avatar
Doireanne
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, they're trump supporters so this kind of thing is expected. Their hero has stiffed everyone he's ever done business with (and is still stiffing cities for the costs incurred when he holds his Superspreader Hate Rallies there).

shamrarock avatar
Morgan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the toilet paper with trump face on every square

lisachambers2018 avatar
Lisa Chambers
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what in the world? Tip jars should auto scan anything added for authenticity. Any fake coin or bill should set off an alarm followed by a visit from the secret service.

brandivansteenwyk avatar
Brandi VanSteenwyk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the vomitus mess created by seeing THAT face with anticipation meant for a large tip.

jasmineroberts avatar
COcO BAMa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

everyone happy seeing that hand go into the jar till they see the face on the money

lwolf1952 avatar
lwolf1952
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

traveler_in_thyme avatar
Marcia Cash
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

hang on to it, it will be a souvenir someday. Not that it makes up for bad tips.

ellaroark avatar
ishma-in008 avatar
S.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not a retail worker, but it's very plausible that they have to deal with nutcases like this everyday. Besides, it's a really terrible thing to do, food workers in the USA rely on tips for their payment.

Load More Replies...
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

It Can Happen To The Best Of Us

It Can Happen To The Best Of Us

rightmrow Report

#33

This Is How It Feels To Work At Starbucks Sometimes...

This Is How It Feels To Work At Starbucks Sometimes...

kimmdeanna Report

Add photo comments
POST
tatummuses avatar
Monty Is Fiennes
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is how it feels to work long term at any food establishment where you order at the counter....

View more commentsArrow down menu
#34

Here’s For The Lady Today Who Hadn’t Even Paid Me Yet And Said “I’m Glad Your Coworkers Are Having Such A Great Conversation, But They Need To Get Started On My Drink Because I’m In A Rush”

Here’s For The Lady Today Who Hadn’t Even Paid Me Yet And Said “I’m Glad Your Coworkers Are Having Such A Great Conversation, But They Need To Get Started On My Drink Because I’m In A Rush”

rosalie2222 Report

Add photo comments
POST
drummerkramer avatar
Bob Belcher
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Truth. Why can't people just wake up 5 minutes earlier or hurry up in the morning if they k ow they want to stop somewhere.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#35

What It’s Been Like Working In Dt With Cafe Closed

What It’s Been Like Working In Dt With Cafe Closed

pestofiesta Report

#36

Welcome To My Ted Talk

Welcome To My Ted Talk

themoistbread Report

Add photo comments
POST
popapach avatar
troufaki13
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But sometimes, exactly because it's free, they totally ignore you and never give you that glass of water. Sometimes I order it like 10 times before I get it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

When A Customer Is Rude But Leaves A $5 Tip

When A Customer Is Rude But Leaves A $5 Tip

mark71-8 Report

#38

Dear Customers, This Is What Happens When You Reach Around The Shields To Help Yourself. Please Stop.

Dear Customers, This Is What Happens When You Reach Around The Shields To Help Yourself. Please Stop.

caffeinated_enigma Report

#40

When You Both Open And Close Regularly

When You Both Open And Close Regularly

itsVilly Report

Note: this post originally had 85 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.