If you’ve ever worked in a coffee shop, then you know that being a barista can be pretty stressful. Between dealing with rude customers and trying to make coffee that tastes good, it’s no wonder baristas often have high levels of stress.
There are ways to reduce stress while working as a barista. In this blog post, we will discuss 7 simple tips that can help you manage stress while working in a coffee shop.
Is Being a Barista Stressful?
Being a barista can be stressful, but it depends on the individual and the specific job situation. These 6 things make being a barista stressful:
Time constraints: Baristas often have to work quickly in order to keep up with the demand of customers. This can cause stress by having to hurry.
Dealing with difficult customers: Some customers can be very demanding and abusive, especially if they’re not getting their coffee just the way they want it. This can take its toll on a barista’s job satisfaction and mental health.
Creating perfect drinks: There is a lot of pressure to make each drink perfect. This can be difficult when there are so many different variables, such as the type of freshly ground coffee beans, the grind, the water temperature, the type of espresso machine, and more.
Not having enough help: If a coffee shop is short-staffed, it can put a lot of pressure on the employees who are working. This can often result in long hours and little rest, which can be very stressful.
Physical work: Making coffee drinks can be physically demanding. Standing for long periods of time, lifting heavy bags of coffee beans, and cleaning coffee equipment can all take their toll on a barista’s body.
Early mornings: Many coffee shops open early, so baristas often have to start their shifts early in the morning. This can be difficult for those who are not morning people.
7 Simple Tips for Reducing Stress as A Barista
Being a barista can be a very stressful job, especially if you are a high volume barista. You are constantly dealing with customers who may be impatient or demanding, and you have to work quickly and efficiently while still making sure that each drink is of the highest quality.
If you are feeling stressed out on the job, here are 7 very simple but effective tips that may help you to relax and stay calm:
Tip 1: Take a Few Deep Breaths Before Starting Your Shift
This may seem like a very small thing, but fellow baristas confirm that taking a few minutes to center yourself and take some deep breaths can really help to calm your nerves and ease any tension you may be feeling.
Tip 2: Make Sure You Take Breaks
It is important to take breaks when you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. If you can, step away from your workstation for a few minutes to clear your head. Maybe take a quick walk around the block or get some fresh air.
Tip 3: Remind Yourself that Every Customer Is Different
You can’t please everyone! It is important to remember that each customer is different and has different expectations. As long as you are doing your best, that is all you can do.
Tip 4: Talk to Your Manager About Any Concerns or Problems You Are Having
If you feel like you are struggling on the job, it is very important to communicate with your manager. They may be able to give you some additional training or help to ease your stress.
Tip 5: Find a Hobby or Activity that Helps You Relax
It is important to find an activity that you enjoy outside of work that can help you to relax and de-stress. This could be anything from reading, going for walks, listening to music, or even taking a yoga class.
Tip 6: Focus on One Task at A Time and Don’t Try to Do Too Much at Once
When you are feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to focus on one task at a time and not try to do too much all at once. Just focus on the task at hand. You will get through it!
Tip 7: Remember that It Is Okay to Make Mistakes
We are all human and we all make mistakes. Just remember that it is okay to make a mistake here and there. Just learn from it and move on! For example, just practice how you pull espresso shots as a focus, and don’t worry about any other mistakes the rest for now.
Compliments Can Turn a Day Around Completely
It’s not all bad, many baristas say their job is the most fun job they’ve ever had. They get to meet new people, try new things, and are always learning.
There’s a lot of opportunity for creativity and personal expression. And sometimes customers can really make your day.
It’s always nice when customers take the time to tell you that you’ve made their day or even just to say thank you. A simple compliment can really turn a day around completely!
There are also many benefits to being a barista, such as flexible hours, tips, and the opportunity to learn new skills. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether the pros outweigh the cons.
People working in barista jobs is the great progression opportunities to shift supervisor or even cafe manager. There are many different pathways you can take with a career in coffee. So if you love coffee and people, a job as a barista might just be the perfect fit for you!
So when you are having a stressful day just remember the incredibly fun job you are in and think about how you could make someone else’s day.
FAQ
How Stressful Is Being a Starbucks Barista?
Working at Starbucks can be pretty stressful. You’ve got customers who are rushed and cranky, demanding their drinks ASAP.
You’ve also got to deal with the pressure of making each drink perfectly and if you mess up, the customer will let you know. And if you’re constantly messing up, your boss will let you know.
There’s also the problem of trying to keep up with the customer’s ever-changing orders. Some days, it feels like you can’t win. But despite all the stress, it can be a pretty great job with good money.
The people who work there are usually passionate about coffee, so it’s a good place to learn more about different brewing methods and bean varieties.
Starbucks offers great training and Starbucks pay very well, even for the basic barista job. So if you can handle the stress, it’s a great place to work.
Is Being a Barista Difficult?
Being a barista can be difficult. First, you have to learn how to make all of the different types of coffee drinks that customers might order.
Baristas also need to be able to interact with customers in a friendly and professional manner, even when they are busy and under pressure.
Given all of these demands, it is no wonder that being a barista can be challenging. However, it can also be very rewarding, both in terms of the satisfaction of creating a great cup of coffee and in terms of the tips that customers often leave.
Is Being a Barista Exhausting?
Working as a barista can be pretty exhausting. You’re constantly on your feet, moving around, and making coffee all day long. And if you’re working in a busy coffee shop, you might not even have time to take a break.
Final Thoughts
If you are a good barista who is struggling with stress, we hope these tips were helpful. Just remember that you are not alone and that there are ways to cope with the challenges of the job. You got this!
