Hell yeah - I work at Starbucks!

After a stressful few days moving in to the new house with two previous flat mates and a new one, Monday morning came and I was up bright and early with a handful of CVs ready to hit Southampton hard, I needed a job big time. The idea of having to pay 3 months rent with no help from student finance was freaking me out big time. I went every where, all the shops, cafes, restaurants and bars - someone had to have me!

I pushed the big glass door in to the Starbucks store where I noticed the poster on the door, "Come and join our team?" Well at least they were hiring and I wasn't in danger of handing over my CV hopefully only for them to say: "We will keep it on our records and let you know if anything comes up." For them to throw it in a pile of paper work never to be seen again. The Starbucks staff were cheerful and welcoming and like very few of the places I had been the day spoke to me about the job vacancy for a few good minutes and even read through my CV while I was still there. I had a good feeling and sure enough within an hour later the store manager was on the phone inviting me back for a 'chat' and within the next hour I had secured a job interview. Successful job hunting day I would say.

An interview and trial shift later I was a Starbucks employee and I am now two shifts in to my new job. The first day was as okay as first days go, I felt pretty useless and in the way but at least on your first day you can get away with it. Today however was hectic and scary. Starbucks is fast paced and today I could not keep up. When there's six drinks lined up waiting to be made all completely different with special requirements I forget what I've been taught and look blankly at the other staff hoping someone will help me. Which of course they do. My problem is I panic and the more I panic the more I have no idea what I am doing. Don't get me wrong I am learning but these things take time you know. I have just about mastered lattes and cappuccino but throw in a caramel machiato, whatever kind of frappuccino and white skinny mocha with extra cream it all gets a little bit complicated.

I will get there. In the mean time I can enjoy the free drinks before and after and during my shifts and 30% off at any other time, oh yeah! Plus, free bags of tea or coffee (definitely a win for my caffeine addiction) and as a 'partner' I get shares in Starbucks. Crazy stuff don't you think? It's all pretty exciting and I'm sure I'll be a pro at making frappuccinos and the like within no time at all.