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?

22 comments:

  1. One of my closest friends in high school started working at a coffee shop right before our senior year, and 4 years later we still have a "table" there! The owner is amazing and remembers where we all go to school and what we're majoring in! While I didn't work at a coffee shop, I was around enough to know what it's like! Good for your for liking early mornings, I'm the same way! I feel like I lose my whole day when I work 11-5 (like I did most weekends at Old Navy).
    xoxo

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  2. If I worked at a coffee shop, I'd be wired all day (and I'd love it haha)! I'm an espresso connoisseur so that sounds like Heaven to me. I love this post - so cute and unique!

    Xoxo, Mindy

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  3. Great post! I've always thought it would be fun to work at a coffee shop!

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  4. Love this! So much fun!
    www.kayleighskloset.com

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  5. I've always wanted to work at a coffee shop! I could save so much money on the free coffee alone! lol

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  6. I love working at a coffee shop! I don't even feel like I'm working!

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  7. I'd be sold at the free coffee - glad you're learning new stuff, especially responsibilities! x Nicole | www.changeanddress.com

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  8. Love this!
    I used to want to work at a coffee shop but never ended up doing so.
    My first real job other than babysitting was retail and I had a love/hate relationship with it.

    xoxo, Jenny || Breakfast at Lillys

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  9. I've secretly always been obsessed with coffee shops and working at one! Ha! I would also be sold at the free coffee…gotta have my daily caffeine Rx!
    Xx

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  10. I've always loved the idea of working at a coffee shop! I've applied countless times to work at a very popular shop (green mermaid!), but my hours were always off. I've never really thought about the responsibilities part of it, you explain them so perfectly! Love how unique this post it, and you sound like the perfect employee! :)

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  11. I love your point of view on going to work early! I was so happy to be done with retail when I started my internship because of the set hours :) Hope your school year is wonderful!

    XX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass

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  12. I can't imagine being up so early in college (most of my classes weren't til noon) and can you imagine being a barista in Australia where tipping isn't expected?

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  13. Too cool! I have always loved coffee shops and the atmosphere, so I think I'd love working there too! Too bad I work in finance…not as fun as a coffee shop!

    Nicole // Chronicling Home

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  14. OH wow I am so sorry you have to wake up that early but it is nice that you are done earlier. This summer I worked a 9-5 behind a desk and it was utterly exhausting! I loved getting the weekends off though which most summer jobs don't let you have!

    Annie // Annie N Belle

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  15. I was manager of the volunteer coffeeshop on campus in college and I absolutely loved it. I've never worked in an actual coffeeshop where the work is paid, but I would love to do that one day.

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  16. I think working at a coffee shop would be a great job! I am a coffee addict also, so I could definitely use some free coffee!

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  17. I always wanted to work in a coffee shop! I love coffee for one, but also love the atmosphere! I can't believe you get up that early though! I thought waking up at 5:30 was early!

    xo Ashley

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  18. Giiiirrllll! I could not wake up at 3:30am to work for ANYTHING in the world haha. But, the best perk at my current job is 40% off at three different local boutiques. Basically, I'm shopping all day. :)

    xo // www.thematerialgirl.co

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  19. While I am moving towards blogging full time, I am a hostess at an upscale restaurant in Dallas! I honestly love it and the people that I work with so much. While I can't wait to work for myself, I am definitely embracing the great people and good money while I finish up college!

    XOXO
    Marie H.
    Progression By Design

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  20. This sounds awesome! wow, what time do you go to bed at night to be awake for that shift?! I would definitely spend the day after my shift napping :P but this job sounds amazing! i''ll look into that this summer.

    Courtney// As We Stumble Along

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  21. I've always been curious about working in a coffee shop. I have a few friends that do, and they've always commented on how stressful it can be. It sounds like there are lots of good perks! That's crazy that you can earn that much tip money when working with several people on the same shift! I'd be happy to take that home for extra spending money. Plus you're saving even more because you don't have to spend money on coffee! Win-win!

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  22. I never got to work in the restaurant industry back when I was in school, but it looks like you're learning so many valuable lessons!

    xo, Alicia | Alicia Tenise

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