Last Updated on December 15, 2021 by John Moretti
Daily, baristas have to concentrate on preparing and serving hot or cold beverages, such as espresso drinks, blended coffees, and even teas. They receive and process customer payments while concentrating on politeness and customer satisfaction.
There are several bright sides to being a barista, but there are bad things as well. From learning how to work with people and being organized to constantly being on your feet and getting orders faultlessly to the other side. Disrespectful customers are one of the biggest challenges. The list goes on.
Are you thinking of sending in your CV to a coffee shop to inquire about being a barista? Let’s take a look at the possible pros and cons you will be dealing with by being a full-time barista!
A Typical Day For A Barista
A typical day in the life of a barista means taking customers’ orders, communicating the orders to their co-workers for preparation, and serving prepared foods such as bagels, muffins, or biscotti.
They also need to know exactly what’s on the menu, as well as to be fully able to describe menu items to customers and suggest products that they might be interested in.
Sanitizing and cleaning standard equipment, utensils, and work areas are also an important daily activity that takes place several times a shift.
Besides all the standard responsibilities, baristas also have to create signs that will advertise their store products or events. They are also in charge of receiving, counting or ordering stock supplies and products they might become short of.
Restocking product displays and demonstrating the use of their equipment, such as espresso machines, are daily activities they show to the customers walking in and out of their shop.
In addition, they also need to know how and when to check the temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, and heating equipment to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Although each barista’s specific duties and responsibilities may vary, many of them have to pack, grind, and weigh coffee beans for customers.
The Pros Of Being A Barista
If you currently are or ever were a barista, you will definitely understand the pros that come along with the job. If you are thinking about working as a barista, you can consider this list a handy tool to compare the pros and cons of the job!
1. You know exactly how you and others like their coffee
As a barista, you will be able to serve perfectly delicious coffee every single time! Making good quality coffee can be considered a superpower, especially if you encounter those grumpy customers who are in dire need of a caffeine fix!
2. Your clothes will permanently smell like coffee
If you are a big fan of the smell of a fresh cup of coffee in the mornings, as well as afternoons, you can consider this as the biggest pro on the list!
The smell of coffee has a way to linger in your clothes, and you will smell like a coffee shop wherever you go. Perfect for hiding the smell of sweat on your clothes after a busy day at work!
3. Free drinks all day, every day
If you are a coffee addict, you will definitely take advantage of the fact that you can drink coffee on your shift, absolutely free of charge!
Free coffee that you can deliciously make to your tastebuds is perfect for the caffeine jolt you will need for those early morning shifts.
4. Creating personal bonds with regular customers
You will obviously learn to recognize faces in this industry, and some people can make your day when you see them. By remembering their daily orders, you will create a safe space for them where they will be comfortable and talk to you freely.
By being a barista, you learn several communication, problem-solving, and even math skills that you can take to many other jobs as you move further along in your career.
5. You will gain confidence while learning all the way
If being a barista is a choice for your first-ever paying job, you will not be disappointed. Being a barista will give you the skills of being able to think on your feet while working efficiently.
There are several valuable skills you can gain from working in the hospitality industry, from bettering your listening skills and learning about customer service, which can improve your confidence levels and look outstanding on a CV.
The Cons Of Being A Barista
No job or career field can be all good. What is a little sun without a little rain? Let’s take a closer look at the challenges baristas encounter and whether it is enough to take it off your list of possible jobs options.
1. Oh, the horrifying music
Did you know that some of the worst cover versions of songs happen in coffee shops? Well, you do now! When you find yourself cleaning tables or sweeping floors to a horrible cover band, it may make you doubt humanity and your place in society.
In addition to the horrible music, you may hear the same songs over and over again. This isn’t so bad and easy to deal with if you just block it out or suggest a new playlist.
2. Demanding and disrespectful customers
Just like you will remember the lovely faces of your favorite customers, you will remember the worst ones as well. Bad customers are usually the ones with the fussy orders they already think you’re going to make wrong, and they are usually always on their phones.
Unfortunately, you will be working with loads of caffeine-deprived, half-asleep customers, and it may take a toll on your mental health if you are a soft-skinned person.
The only way you will be able to make it as a barista is if you don’t take anything personally and refrain from saying anything back. Remember the saying, “the customer is always right.”
3. You will be overworked.
Baristas are one of the most overworked groups of people you will ever meet. Managers constantly push you to clean, even if you are just taking 30 seconds to try to recover from a demanding and draining customer.
You simply have to enthusiastically and devotedly carry on. You will also be on your feet the whole day, causing physical pain to your joints and muscles after a long and busy shift.
4. Early mornings
If you are not a morning person, being a barista will not work for you. You need to be awake on the coldest and earliest mornings with a smile, ready to greet all the caffeine-deprived monsters.
5. Arrogant authority
We all know how annoying it is when somebody tells you to do something when you are just about to do it.
Unfortunately, you will be dealing with co-workers, as well as managers who micromanage every little thing you do, and they will get a huge kick out of it. They will strive to make you overwork yourself and not give you time to rest after or during a hectic or intense shift.
6. You will work for minimum wage
The barista career is usually short-lived and is generally only seen as a suitable job for a person that is at the start of their career with little experience.
It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to make a living and raise a family off of a barista’s salary. You will be working for tips in order to compensate for your minimum wage salary.
Conclusion
Cafes and restaurants always have a vibrant atmosphere, and there is always something that needs to be done. When being a barista, you will never be bored, and you will constantly be interacting and creating bonds with colleagues and customers. You may even make a few friends along the way.
Being a barista is right up your alley if you are an outgoing and social person, and you will never experience a dull moment.
However, if you are a shy person and lack the confidence and tough skin a barista needs to have, you can overcome your fears or ask your boss if you can quietly work behind the espresso machine. Nonetheless, it is crucial to look forward to every day you get to go to work!
