5 Things I’ve Learned Working at a Coffee Shop
Over a year ago, I took a step back from my job in municipal government and started working at a coffee shop in Seattle. I am certainly no stranger to working in the service industry. Consider the two of us high school sweethearts, or at least the closest I'll ever come to having one. Even during my previous position as an Assistant to the City Administrator, I would spend weeknights and weekends working at an ice cream shop to save extra money for my big move to Seattle.
The past year has looked a lot different for me as I continue to navigate a career transition and explore different avenues. I have learned many valuable lessons and developed traits that will help me excel in future jobs. As a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, I am grateful that I stumbled across this charming small business that needed a barista. Knowing that every cup of coffee brings me closer to who I’m supposed to be and where I’m supposed to end up!
Confidence Invites Positivity
Confidence is a vital trait in the workforce because it allows me to work efficiently, especially on independent tasks. There is typically one barista scheduled daily, which has taught me to think 10 steps ahead and rely on my time management skills to get the job done. My confidence carries me through each shift, helps me appreciate the work, and nurtures a self-aware and positive mindset. Working as a barista has taught me the power of thoughtful customer service, and given me the confidence to approach others and be a bright spot in their day.
Wear the Right Shoes
Because you’re working hard and your feet will thank you later! Working in the service industry requires a special kind of stamina, and quickly teaches you how to have a strong work ethic. Your employer is relying on you to show up and get the job done. In fact, I think the act of showing up consistently and wearing the right shoes is very underrated. Being punctual, prepared, and dependable are important values that set you up for success and build trust with your employer.
Stay Humble & Honest
Having a healthy sense of humility opens the door for effective collaboration, and that’s when the magic truly starts to happen! Trust me, I know it’s not always easy. Sometimes situations, especially negative interactions with customers, are outside of our control. However, by remaining honest and asking for feedback, I am allowing my employer to give me tools for success in the future.
Curiosity is Crucial
Being curious means you are eager to learn and are interested in gaining knowledge to do the job as best as you can. A lot of the time, just because it’s “the way it’s always been done” doesn’t mean it’s the most effective. For example, I noticed a discrepancy between our prices and the prices at similar coffee shops in the area. After doing further research, I suggested that we raise our prices to match and ultimately helped my employer make more money in the long run.
You Can’t Do It All
Nor should you want to! Unless you want a one-way ticket to feeling unmotivated and burnt out. Teamwork, collaboration, and open communication are invaluable in the workforce. It doesn’t matter if you’re working at a Fortune 500 company, or the Saturday morning coffee rush. It’s important to be able to work independently, but it’s also equally important to know when to ask for help. Show up for your coworkers and treat them how you want to be treated. Being a team player bleeds into all aspects of life, and teaches you how to be a great friend, partner, coworker, and of course, employee!
Working at a coffee shop isn’t rocket science and doesn’t require a technical degree. What it does offer is a crash course on how to work well with others and be an effective team member. Working at a coffee shop teaches the invaluable soft skills that we all need to be efficient in the professional workforce. People working in the service industry are dreamers, working twice as hard with no PTO. Every shift grows their patience, flexibility, and motivation, fueling them toward a magical career and a bright future.
