After working at Starbucks for a while you get sick of the free drinks

Starbucks is the land of the expensive coffee beans, sugary frappuccinos, and allegedly where all the basics hang out. As someone who is a regular at Starbucks, and may or may not be addicted to caffeine I always wondered what it was like behind the counter, and what my barista really thought of me. To get the answers to my burning questions I reached out to a former Starbucks employee.

Deirdre Egan started working at Starbucks in January of her junior year at Rutgers University and stopped March of her senior year. Before working at Starbucks she had no experience working with coffee.

What’s the training process like?

I had someone walk me through the drinks and I would practice doing it myself. I constantly had someone over my shoulder giving me directions about how to steam milk and pour shots of espresso.

What was a typical day like at Starbucks?

It was really crazy! I worked at a Starbucks on Rutgers campus and there were super rushes of about 50-60 people before classes started, and right after they let out. The lines would be out the door, and people would get really stressed out about making it to their classes and getting their coffee. When students were in class it was pretty slow.

before frappy hour struck

How did you survive Frappy hour?

It was intense. I was on the Frappaccino bar section and after it was over I just needed some time to myself to just be with my thoughts and breathe.

Did you have any negative experiences with customers?

Some people would complain about the silliest things. I remember a time when someone asked for a little bit of ice, but complained that I put too little ice.

Once we made someone’s drink five times in a row, because they were doing something custom and according to the customer we were doing it wrong, but we were doing exactly what she was telling us to do.

Another time when the line was out the door someone got in line knowing that it was out the door, and once they got to me they blamed me for making them late for class. He was upset and tried to demand a free drink.

Usually it was pretty tame.

Would you work there again?

I would, I liked knowing how to do everything and it became second nature after I was working there for awhile. At first it was difficult and stressful, but then there was a point that I would be able to do it without thinking.

Were there any perks?

On breaks we were allowed to have free food and drinks so after working there for a year I became sick of all the drinks. I was getting the same stuff over and over again. Starbucks isn’t my go to place anymore, just because I got so used to it.

Unfortunately there are no perks as a former employee.

The latest in Starbucks fashion

What did you like about working at Starbucks?

One day we had a backpack full of iced tea and they had me walking around campus giving out samples. That was kind of fun. Bees followed me, so that wasn’t exactly fun, but it was a good memory.

I made a lot of good friends. We had a lot of things to bond over, like ridiculous things customers would ask for. It was a fun community. Sometimes we would experiment with different drinks, the secret menu comes from somewhere.

Now when I go to Starbucks I feel like I have an advantage because it helps me customize what I like because I was able to try out different things. It was a good job, and I think it helped me with future jobs. It made me more patient and understanding.

taking a coffee break with Drake

What are your thoughts on the term “basic” for Starbucks regulars?

Everybody likes coffee. To say that one type of person is drinking Starbucks is ridiculous. I don’t think it makes anyone basic. I can’t even tell you how many different people I saw getting Starbucks everyday. It’s so silly.

After talking with Deirdre I got a better idea about how not to be that annoying customer, and I’m jealous of her barista skills. Perhaps I too one day will master the ways the delicious Starbucks beverages, until then I’ll continue to spend obscene amounts of dollars on the delectable treats. I’ll also sleep soundly knowing my barista most likely doesn’t think I’m basic.