Let us now take a moment to reflect on the plight of a Starbucks barista, that patient indulger of obsessive-compulsive customer requests, that tireless dispenser of fake and forced smiles, that hapless victim of a never-ending parade of indignities. Any brave soul who dons the green (or black) apron must endure annoyances that would crush the rest of us - or at least send us into a cup-throwing, syrup-spraying, milk-splashing rage. Consider just a few of the job's daily ordeals : Dealing with precaffeinated morning customers who often communicate solely through grunts and scowls.
Deciphering novella-length orders, like a "decaf single grande extra vanilla 185 degree with whipped cream caramel macchiato." Figuring out the customer's exact drink thru single-word hints like "gimme a MOCHA", "I want a CARAMEL", "I want Frappucino". Watching customers give flimsy, shoddy tips of 5 cents in the tip box just because they don't want to carry them in their wallets. Needing to conduct business transactions with people as they openly and loudly talk over the phone.
The company's "JUST SAY YES" policy. Having to figure out how many shots of espresso a customer wants. I could go on, pointing out the customers who pay their <RM10 bills with RM100 notes to the constant subtle assault of horny uncle-looking customers that demand female baristas at the bar/register for their visual pleasure, but the point is obvious enough already: working at Starbucks is a constant struggle with the forces of exasperation. And sometimes, exasperation wins out. Push a barista beyond his/her breaking point, you'll end up receiving the universal punishment - he'll secretly give u decaf. Or, if u wanted a decaf, he'll give u the regular shots instead, only stronger. *winks*
Deciphering novella-length orders, like a "decaf single grande extra vanilla 185 degree with whipped cream caramel macchiato." Figuring out the customer's exact drink thru single-word hints like "gimme a MOCHA", "I want a CARAMEL", "I want Frappucino". Watching customers give flimsy, shoddy tips of 5 cents in the tip box just because they don't want to carry them in their wallets. Needing to conduct business transactions with people as they openly and loudly talk over the phone.
The company's "JUST SAY YES" policy. Having to figure out how many shots of espresso a customer wants. I could go on, pointing out the customers who pay their <RM10 bills with RM100 notes to the constant subtle assault of horny uncle-looking customers that demand female baristas at the bar/register for their visual pleasure, but the point is obvious enough already: working at Starbucks is a constant struggle with the forces of exasperation. And sometimes, exasperation wins out. Push a barista beyond his/her breaking point, you'll end up receiving the universal punishment - he'll secretly give u decaf. Or, if u wanted a decaf, he'll give u the regular shots instead, only stronger. *winks*
