5 Things I've Learned as a Barista
1. There will always be bad days, but you'll be alright
There were days when I felt so frustrated at work that at the end of the day, I cried. And then I would think, "crap! my makeup!" I sometimes hate my job, especially on those bad days because I I felt so helpless and there was nothing I could do but continue on with work. Bad days are when I close and when I'm left alone for hours, which sucks! It's also when I accidentally cut myself by slicing a cake, or when my fingers get too dry that they begin to bleed! Bad days are when some customers decide to be extra snappy that day, and when the boss gets that way too. But if there's one thing I've learned from those awful days, it's that when I clock out, my horror will be over. When my shift ends, the awful day ends. Nothing stays bad, it always ends, and all I have to really do is to carry on.
2. It's always nice to wear a smile
I learned that a smile can really brighten up someone's day. No matter how crappy I feel, I always try to wear a smile on my face because not only it helps lift my spirits up, it most certainly affects the way the customer interacts with me. It also helps soften up those hard customers, if you know what I mean. Also, I think customers come back and become regulars when they receive good service on top of their good coffee. Customers are people and I believe that baristas can make a big difference on their day simply by smiling! :) Also, it's one good way to earn tips! Smile= $$$!
3. Knowledge is power
It's true! We get customers who think they know what they're ordering but when they receive their drink they'll be like, "is this a macchiato? why is it so light?! Where's the milk?" Uhm, maybe you wanted a latte? These kind of customers get to me, but as much as possible we try to educate them so they avoid doing their mistake again. We also get customers who don't know much about coffee and it's really nice to be able to talk to a barista who knows what's up right? It's our job to educate so it's really important to be knowledgeable about our products and the workplace. This means, we get to try everything! Haha!
4. The little details matter
So I guess, as a person who works and deals with customers all the time, it's important to pay attention to details. By remembering their name, or favorite espresso drink, or their special requests on both their drink or food, those little details makes them feel extra special! This trick never fails to put a smile on their faces! Also, they will commend you on your good memory! I get this a few times because I remember the little details when it comes to people. But when it comes to other things, my brain can't remember a thing!
5. There are perks
I think it's nice to be able to say that I know how to make coffee for the rest of my life. It has changed my views regarding coffee and now, I feel like I can't even go to Starbucks anymore because I've discovered how good coffee tastes like. Being a barista has taught me to understand coffee even better and I am really happy about that. And, I can always make coffee for my husband and my family when the time comes that I'll have my own espresso machine at home. NOTHING BEATS A GOOD ESPRESSO SHOT! Also, with my work, I get to taste our products because we need to know what we're selling. From our sweets to the pastries, from our soups to our savory specials, we get to try them all! And when there are leftovers, we can take some food home! Hooray for day-olds! Haha. Lastly, I get to see new faces everyday. I'm not a people person, at all! But becoming a barista, I've learned to understand people better and now I can tolerate them even more. Haha. People aren't so bad after all, especially when they're Canadians. I get to meet all kinds of people of different ethnicities, tourists, kids, cute babies, and cute old couples! Being a barista is a very tough job, but I guess it's the people/customers that make it worthwhile.
