Working at Starbucks can be fun, but it's also very stressful and confusing.

There is a lot going on in a confined space and it is very fast-paced. Whether I am taking people's orders or making Frappuccinos, there are a lot of things that could go wrong. Even when everything goes right, it isn't without hard work and concentration.

That being said, here are some common struggles I face as a barista.

1. Trying to understand what all the abbreviations mean.

2. Staring hopelessly at all the drinks I have yet to make.

3. Accidentally messing up a drink and having to start over.

4. Having to stop to clean equipment between making drinks.

5. Getting criticized.

6. People watching me make their drink to see if I mess up.

7. Getting my hands sticky with syrup.

8. Remembering to read the whole drink label before making it.

9. Overfilling a cup and trying to fit a lid on.

10. Almond milk and coconut milk

11. Having to do the dirty work.

12. Remembering which lid color corresponds to which tea.

13. Trying not to die of thirst while making other people's drinks.

14. Trying to work when someone is all up in my space.

15. Whipped cream

16. Deciphering the buttons on the cash register.

17. Trying to listen to the customer while writing their order.

18. Timers going off until the designated person stops them.

19. Remembering to notify Tapingo customers.

20. Trying to hear someone's name.

21. Trying to spell someone's name.

22. Grabbing the right lid on the first try.

23. Spilling on myself.

24. Trying not to judge people's orders.

25. Coworkers opening fridge doors into my leg.

Whether you can relate or have no idea what I'm talking about, this is the life of a barista. Once I got the hang of things, it wasn't so bad, but the job sure does keep me on my toes. While there's plenty to complain about, there is also plenty to love. Every job has its struggles, after all. It's overcoming those obstacles that make it all worthwhile.