Coffee: a drink made from the roasted and ground bean-like seeds of a tropical shrub, served hot or iced.
Working as a barista comes with many challenges. From perfecting the art of layering a caramel macchiato to waiting on the numerous amounts of coffee addicts, being a barista definitely has its ups and downs. Although being a barista isn't for everyone, I would highly recommend it as a job for anyone who enjoys customer service, being creative and has a strong love for coffee.
Here are a few details I have learned while grinding endless bags of espresso beans.
1. Your hair will smell like old coffee… forever
You can scrub all you want, but you will forever smell like a walking cup o’ joe. After a while, you won’t even be able to tell, so embrace it.
2. You will memorize every regular's order
It’s not creepy. In fact, the regulars will be flattered that you remembered their daily order. Little do they know that you have a long list of regulars' drink orders ready in the back of your mind. Your on-point memorization skills may even bring in a few extra tips.
3. The customer is always right
Even if the customer complains that there is one too many ice cubes in their iced coffee, you will learn to scoop out that extra cube with a smile on your face.
4. The customer is still always right even if they order while on their phone
Nowadays, our cell phones are constantly glued to our hands, so it is quite normal for a customer to tell you to "hold on" while they finish their conversation (even if there is a line of people behind them). If you're ever put in this situation, just keep calm.
5. You will talk about coffee while working, on your days off, and you’ll probably even dream about it
Coffee is life, especially when you’re surrounded by it every day. It’s normal to drink, breathe and think about coffee on a regular basis.
6. And you will also spend more money on coffee than you ever have before
Those discounts aren’t there for nothing. The idea of half-off drinks increases your chances of spending your entire paycheck on endless cups of coffee.
7. You learn to appreciate the more simple “adult-like” drinks
Your days of ordering double chocolate chip Frappuccinos will be over. Soon you’ll be ordering large Americanos without room for cream. You’ll be able to eat straight coffee beans without flinching.
8. Your co-workers will become your best friends
You’ve experienced so much together. From deciphering each other’s handwriting to dealing with cranky customers, you will grow an unbreakable bond with your fellow coffee creators.
9. Customers will watch you make their drinks
Customers will bend over the counter to make sure you give them the three shots they asked for. Be prepared for them to watch your every move.
10. You will learn to hate cappuccinos
Cappuccinos are complicated. There's sahara dry, dry, mildly dry, in between, kinda wet, wet, soaking wet, basically a latte and every other combination you can think of. And you will encounter every one of them.
11. And you will equally hate pumpkin spice lattes
When fall rolls around, be ready for PSL season. It's a 99 percent chance that every customer you encounter will order one.
12. Customers will have complicated orders and they will list it off in less than five seconds
Just make sure your handwriting is on-point and you jot down every detail quickly. And remember: It's okay to ask them to repeat it.
13. You are an unspoken hero
You never know when your perfectly foamed milk will brighten someone’s day. Just remember: every drink counts, so don’t skimp on that extra drip of caramel.
14. Working as a barista is a very rewarding job
Making coffee isn't so bad. At least you're not sitting in a cubicle. Being a barista allows you to meet new people, brush up on your customer service skills, and it's a pretty cool way to pass your time. So if you are in need of a job, apply to your local coffee shop. You won't regret it.
