Perks of Working At A Coffee Shop

As some of you may know, I have a part-time job at a coffee shop. This is my first "real" job (babysitting being the first), and I've worked here for over two years now. I'll admit that there are definitely some drawbacks to this job -- dealing with annoying customers, occasionally working with lazy people, and only getting minimum wage.

But honestly, I love my job! It's a fairly easy job and definitely something that can give me pocket money until I graduate from college. Although it may not seem ideal, there are definitely some perks to working at a coffee shop.

e a r l y  h o u r s

I worked a lot this past summer, but I have a more set schedule once the school year starts. I'll be working Friday-Monday from 4:15 AM-11 AM. And yes, I will be getting up at 3:30 each morning to get to work on time! I honestly consider going to work super early in the morning to be a perk; I'm out by 11 AM which means I have the rest of the day to do whatever. If I work the afternoon shift (11-4), my whole day is gone. If I work the night shift (4-8), I have to end any plans during the day early so I can go to work and I can't have plans at night. I've always been a morning person, so the early shift just works for me!

t i p s

I'm lucky to work at a coffee shop that accepts tips. On weekday mornings I easily earn anywhere between $30-$40 in tips -- which is crazy because I work with three other people! My tip money is my spending money while my paychecks go in the bank for car insurance. Although I only make minimum wage, I technically make more because of tips.

f r e e  c o f f e e

Yes, I'm a coffee addict, and yes, I get coffee for free at my job! So many people ask me why I'm not sick of coffee yet since I'm always around it -- I guess that's how I know I'm a true coffee addict #SorryNotSorry. It's usually so busy in the morning that I don't have time to drink a whole coffee, but I'll pour myself a cup once I open so I can wake up a little bit. I sometimes like to bring myself an iced coffee home to drink while I'm reading or blogging. And my mom totally loves that I can bring her an iced coffee, too! I also get to have almost any food for free -- so my dad always appreciates the fact that I always bring him home blueberry muffins.

j o b  r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s

This job teaches basic responsibilities. I've learned to wake up and get to a place on time. I've learned how to count the drawers and set it to $100. I've learned a lot of memorization skills (there are so many different types of coffees, sandwiches, etc. to know how to make!). I've learned how to clean and keep things neat. And most importantly, I've learned social skills. Besides the regular customers, I'm constantly dealing with people I don't even know -- which means I constantly have to be friendly and helpful. Being forced to be social will definitely help when I go to networking events and need to talk to employers!

What are the perks of your current job?