The title says it all, I’ve been working here for 3 1/2 years and 2 1/2 of those years I’ve been a barista trainer. I’ve always said yes to every shift, worked OT more times than I can count, I’ve only called out for 1 day when I was extremely sick, friendly with everyone, write of the stupid freaking cups, connect with people, I ask every time if they’d like to use for here ware, I’m THE leader in sampling and have a sampling plan for every day of March. Everyone I’ve talked to at my store has said I’m a joy, and yet I’ve never gotten partner of the quarter, never been interviewed for a shift position, and yet expected to be THE pinnacle of what exactly a barista should be with the new policies. My manger had asked me maybe around 6-7 months ago if I’ve ever thought about being a shift lead and I told her I’ve been working my butt off to for my entire time here. I used to work at a hospital before my store and there they immediately saw how hard I work and gave me a promotion within 4 months of hire and became a shift lead there (unfortunately moved so I had to leave). I get paid 16.45 an hour to bust ass, be perfect, coach EVERYONE, be early and on time, doing everything exactly to standard. But I’m exhausted and I genuinely just want to cry. I want to be in sonography but I can’t do that until my partner finishes her degree and can support me in doing that. I want to work at a hospital and a coffee shop and a local coffee shop owner offered me a job on the spot. 

So please, fellow baristas, tell me, is it worth it to stay for the chance of being a shift lead to earn more money? Will Starbucks ever change? Will I ever get recognized by someone who isn’t my best friend at the store? I love my store to bits and pieces because I literally don’t have beef with anyone, I know everyone and I love talking to all of my fellow partners dearly. I love the cheap insurance that’s been there for me but I don’t know if I can do it much longer with 25-30 hour weeks when I need 35-40