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Any job is difficult if you care about its outcome. But not every worker has to hear about it from customers. Baristas are one of the "lucky" ones that do.

As Gowri Chandra has beautifully put it, we Americans worship at the altar of craft coffee, reveling in its complexity and revering its art form. But we've still managed to commodify the very people who make it: the baristas. So if we believe in the artistry of baristas — and it looks like we do — why are we treating them as unskilled, expendable labor?

From everything baristas are posting online about their job, it's clear that we, the clients, are the main cause of their headaches. Of course, they have other problems too, but probably none can screw up their day as we do. Continue scrolling to learn what trials and tribulations await baristas every single day, and who knows, maybe if their confessions get plenty of attention, people will be kinder to them? Let's hope so.

All of these experiences might seem scary and really demanding when you're just starting out. "Many service industry roles aren't full-time, which often means you're ineligible for most employer-sponsored benefits," former Starbucks barista Mekita Rivas explained. "Calling out sick can have negative consequences in the workplace, especially one where you can't just 'work from home.'"

However, the job can also prepare you for the future. Now, Rivas is balancing a full-time day job, a growing freelance business, relationships with loved ones, as well as her other needs and goals. That sounds like a lot, but she said it's within her energy levels. "Although working my way through school was challenging, my hustle is what got me my degree," she said.

That job has helped her understand that 'work-life balance' means whatever you want it to. "It's whatever makes you feel comfortable and in control. I am still trying to decipher what that looks like for this chapter in my life, but I know I'm on my way to figuring it out."

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#3

Every Peak At Least 5 Times

Every Peak At Least 5 Times

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#4

Just A Reminder For Those Who’ve Forgotten That We Are Human Too

Just A Reminder For Those Who’ve Forgotten That We Are Human Too

ewrege Report

#6

I Tried Hard To Cheer Up My Regular Karen And She Grabbed A Straw And Mixed My Little Art And Her Ungrateful Ass Said:i Dint Ask For No Stupid Drawing

I Tried Hard To Cheer Up My Regular Karen And She Grabbed A Straw And Mixed My Little Art And Her Ungrateful Ass Said:i Dint Ask For No Stupid Drawing

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Láďa Durchánek
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This would cheer up even a dead person, but apparently not this Karen.

S.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is really gorgeous and looks delicious, you've got mad skills! I'm sorry the customer was so unappreciative and rude to you.

Another loser
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ur art is pretty, I would have LOVED having that on my drink

deanna woods
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that you did awesome work and this would have cheered me up.

Mimi777
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is wrong with people. Why do they feel the need to be so angry and bitter at the world around them. I would love this and let the barista know it.

Raine Soo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You have a very miserable customer. Let her stay that way! :D

SykesDaMan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It"s like a millefeuile pastry in a coffee cup!! Very beautiful. (A picture of an actual millefeuille for the ref). mf-5f91e576d2c28.jpg mf-5f91e576d2c28.jpg

Eredyn IreMist
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oooooh so pretty!!! If I got that I would add more to my usual tip!!!

Bardhi's Dad
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Next time you spit in her coffee. P.s. I know this is disgusting and please don't do it, but they are so annoying...

Douglas Turner
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's good, because she didn't get no stupid drawing... she got a drawing smarter than herself!

Petra Schaap
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the barista at my old coffee place always gave me a smiley bear face coffee art. It took me a while to find out that he gave all the other customers "regular" flowers :-D

Lauren Lee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s pathetic.. Karen’s meds might need to be adjusted

Joan Stoeckmann Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it’s gorgeous, I’ve never had a barista draw anything for me so I’d be thrilled.

Mary Peace
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so beautiful, I would have to take a photo of it (after I left the counter)

BiLal Asif
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's complicated just like my life but i love your art not sure about the latter

Trinity Tummons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that is the most beautiful thing i've seen made of coffee or whatever it is but Karen why would you ruin this art

Debi Blackshaw
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so pretty, I'd at least say thank you, take a pic then FB it.

Gary Geracci
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I Dunno,That's a high point for me when I am Bushed and ready to go home. It brightens my spirit! Gee! Sumpin purty in my coffee!

KieLeaHar
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That looks amazing! Why try and cheer up a bad mood AH? Let them be miserable. Always remember: misery loves company. 😑

Lily Grace
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s so pretty!!!!! I would cry if someone did that to my coffee. I Karen don’t know what she got hit with.

Sue Clifford
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I find quite beautiful. She obviously didn’t have an eye good artist ability.

May Be
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She also didn't ask you not to spit in her coffee I bet.

Celtic Pirate Queen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unless you're trying to impress someone or are in a competition of some sort, don't bother. It's gonna get a lid anyway.

Renae Weidman
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! I would have been cheered up by a beautiful cup of coffee like this one!

Mike Kozubski
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We'll did she? Don't do things to other people's stuff unless they ask. Just because you think it's "art" does not make it ok.

Lisa Chambers
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like it and would have been tickled to see someone so creative do something like that for me. But some people? Yeah they need to make coffee at home.

Marilyn Slater
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Karen is a Philistine. That is a beautiful and stylish decoration.

Karen Loftus
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s beautiful! As a real-named Karen, I would’ve thanked you and emailed corporate about your excellent service.

Quazmodic
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Quite right! My bad. Oh! You also didn't ask for a cup! Sorry!" ... pours coffee over her head.

LadyAna
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. That's some petty bullshit. I hope she chokes on it.

Kim
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You didn’t ask for it but it’s beautiful! 😦💔

A Random Panda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks amazing, except for the fact that I would probably be bouncing off the walls after drinking this (unless it's hot cocoa).

Jasmine Donald
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want that art in my coffee! And that Karen is so ungrateful!! As for me, I wouldn't want to drink the coffee because it is so pretty!!!

Si
Community Member
4 years ago

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She could probably tell you were a misogynist

Haunting Spirit
Community Member
4 years ago

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Well it's not like you are going to take a picture on it and share it on social media. It's coffee, you'll drink it. The figure is going to be destroyed anyway.

Viviane
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is ephemeral, but it's nice to show appreciation. I once told a B&B owner that I didn't eat meat in the morning, but enjoyed fruit and dairy products. She made me a gorgeous layered breakfast in a tall glass. She was grinning from ear to ear while I stared awe-struck at her handiwork and uttered "This is beautiful. I have to look at it a moment before I eat it". It wasn't made to last, but it made two people quite happy.

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#9

Just A Psa To The Customers:

Just A Psa To The Customers:

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El muerto
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sadly...the self-satisfaction to tramp all over someone that has to do their jobb, to compensate for the feelings of shrinking self-worth and hurt ego, people thinks comes with the coffee

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#10

“You Need To Be Connecting With Every Customer At The Window!”

“You Need To Be Connecting With Every Customer At The Window!”

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#11

Starbucks Employees Hate When You Scream Your Order At Them

Starbucks Employees Hate When You Scream Your Order At Them

JaydonBlank Report

#12

Every Store Has One (Or Several)

Every Store Has One (Or Several)

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#14

Karen Strikes Again!

Karen Strikes Again!

SeriousStarbs Report

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What's In Your Head?
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In all fairness, while this is true to some extent, it doesn't necessarily work that way. I can only speak for myself, but I have no desire to visit any stores on holidays. However, if they happen to be open, it might actually come in handy sometimes and I might drop by. I will definitely feel sorry for the person working, but they are not open because I MUST shop there on said holiday. They are open because their asshat boss wants to scrape in some extra dough, even if there are hardly any customers.

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#15

Do You Have Any Regulars That You Just Look At And You’re Instantly Annoyed?

Do You Have Any Regulars That You Just Look At And You’re Instantly Annoyed?

ejbailey1995 Report

#18

Starbucks Employees Hate When You Launch Into A Completely One-Sided Order

Starbucks Employees Hate When You Launch Into A Completely One-Sided Order

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#19

Psa

Psa

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#20

Sundays Really Be Like That Tho

Sundays Really Be Like That Tho

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#21

Tbh

Tbh

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El muerto
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

they'll probably try to make you a zombie, if they could....is all for the team

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#22

Just Gonna Leave This Here

Just Gonna Leave This Here

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Out of chocolate
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup. It definitely is. It’s almost like workers need better pay and more protection.

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#24

Forgot The Extra Drizzle.

Forgot The Extra Drizzle.

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#25

When Customers Ask For Something Like This

When Customers Ask For Something Like This

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#27

When You're In The Back Doing Dishes, But You Have To Go Out And Greet A Customer:

When You're In The Back Doing Dishes, But You Have To Go Out And Greet A Customer:

rhotle Report

#28

Just Received This From Corporate In Regards To Covid-19

Just Received This From Corporate In Regards To Covid-19

GoAvsGo Report

#29

Psa: Please Don’t Leave Stuff Like This In The Tip Jar. Politics Aside, It’s A Really Childish And Insulting Gesture. Thank You

Psa: Please Don’t Leave Stuff Like This In The Tip Jar. Politics Aside, It’s A Really Childish And Insulting Gesture. Thank You

lost_wayward_son Report

#32

It Can Happen To The Best Of Us

It Can Happen To The Best Of Us

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#33

This Is How It Feels To Work At Starbucks Sometimes...

This Is How It Feels To Work At Starbucks Sometimes...

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Monty Is Fiennes
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is how it feels to work long term at any food establishment where you order at the counter....

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#34

Here’s For The Lady Today Who Hadn’t Even Paid Me Yet And Said “I’m Glad Your Coworkers Are Having Such A Great Conversation, But They Need To Get Started On My Drink Because I’m In A Rush”

Here’s For The Lady Today Who Hadn’t Even Paid Me Yet And Said “I’m Glad Your Coworkers Are Having Such A Great Conversation, But They Need To Get Started On My Drink Because I’m In A Rush”

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Bob Belcher
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Truth. Why can't people just wake up 5 minutes earlier or hurry up in the morning if they k ow they want to stop somewhere.

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#35

What It’s Been Like Working In Dt With Cafe Closed

What It’s Been Like Working In Dt With Cafe Closed

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#36

Welcome To My Ted Talk

Welcome To My Ted Talk

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troufaki13
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But sometimes, exactly because it's free, they totally ignore you and never give you that glass of water. Sometimes I order it like 10 times before I get it.

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#37

When A Customer Is Rude But Leaves A $5 Tip

When A Customer Is Rude But Leaves A $5 Tip

mark71-8 Report

#38

Dear Customers, This Is What Happens When You Reach Around The Shields To Help Yourself. Please Stop.

Dear Customers, This Is What Happens When You Reach Around The Shields To Help Yourself. Please Stop.

caffeinated_enigma Report

#40

When You Both Open And Close Regularly

When You Both Open And Close Regularly

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