Barista Career

Barista Career

The Real Poop

I'm going to destroy those birds outside. (Source)

"I can't function without my coffee!" "Don't talk to me until I've had my coffee." "I'm totally addicted to coffee!"

We're sure you've heard all this before. Baristas hear it from people (who think they're original and hilarious) each and every day.

Being a barista takes a lot of patience with the human race. Every day you will serve people who are tired and cranky, and they want you to fix that. While you're behind that counter, you have some serious responsibilities. And you have to be flawless. People are very particular about their small, half-caff, soy latte at 120 degrees. If you get it wrong, you have to deal with an angry customer and a drink that goes to waste. That's bad for business. That's bad for you.

If you take down the orders right and continue your winning streak by actually making the right drink, you'll probably need to work the register. You'll deal with some quick mental math and plaster a smile on your face so big that it looks like it hurts. Smiles get you tips. They won't put money in your cup unless you give them a reason. And even then they still may not give you anything extra. For someone who makes around $22,000 a year, tips are definitely important (source).

You may have a coworker who can help you out with one or all of these serving tasks, which allows you to switch it up based on the day. Your co-worker can take the orders and relay the order to you so you can make it while she deals with the cash. Sometimes, it may be the exact opposite. Other times, you'll just take turns doing everything with each customer who comes in.

I'm so sorry, sir, but we don't have milkshakes. Could you please lower your voice? You're right, I should lower my voice. My mistake. Let me get you that milkshake. (Source)

Occasionally, customers will ask for advice on what to order. Be creative, funny, charming, and honest. This is pretty much the only time a customer will show you any kind of real respect, so take advantage of it when you can. 

The longer you work somewhere, the more you'll know about different coffee drinks (because of all the "complimentary drinks" you get from "accidentally" making drinks for customers who never collect their order).

When you've got some spare time, you'll help out with the dirty business of making dirty things clean. You'll wipe down counters, clean the machines, work that dishwasher, sweep the floor—classic kitchen duties. You'll also make sure the café is properly stocked.

You don't have all that many tasks other than to show up and take orders. This is a minimum wage job, after all. Oh yeah, and most cafés just hire part-time. So if you really want to be a full-time barista, you may need to consider working at two different cafés. 

We hate to ruin your career dreams, but this job is kind of designed for teens who need to build character or twenty-somethings who are also taking classes or trying to follow their dreams of showbiz on the side.