A barista's thoughts

Today was my first day with Starbucks and I did my in store training. As much as I tried to fulfil my 8 hours with much energy, I ended the last module rather lethargic. It was however obviously that I was paying much attention to it.

When it came to the role of busing, it was really easy task. I was quite competent in fulfilling the role and even managed to speed up some of the processes with much productivity. Then came the timing where Samsuri wanted to talk to us, and we gathered. After a brief AAR, he came to note the name on my green apron: Rani.

So I came to realise who Rani was. She was basically a Undergraduate who was with Starbucks before me. She resigned slightly before I did. She was only 3 weeks into the programme before she left. Her claim was that it was not befitting of her to do what O levels and Poly students could do. I rather much disagree. It's not the job you do that is speaking of that. To me, she'll never be of much greatness if she sees things that way. She decided to join Starbucks but couldn't follow through. What does this say of her character? Not too good I guess.

It's not the job that matters, It's not whether it's degrading or what. It's what you make out of the job that makes you a person of fine character or not. It's how you see yourself in the job. This applies to all jobs. All jobs at this level are basically similar. They are basically task that anyone can do. Being an assistant in a tour agency probably leaves you being the office helper, to buy drinks, photocopy, and meanwhile commanding a higher pay, does not have a higher status than being a barista or digging a hole. They require no thinking on your part. Until you reach a high enough position in the corporate ladder, all jobs are typically similar as in that they are rather repetitive. It's ultimately what you think of the job that describes its role and how you see it. For me, I see a deep opportunity to learn. Being in a barista position means that I have to be outspoken. This is good as my outgoing side is rather buried. This means I get to bring it out, to fulfil my role in the course of my job.

I am happy with my performance today. I have 3 goals in my career with Starbucks:

1. To do my best and become a better person and to learn and adopt a positive mindset.
   
2. To obtain a Black apron and be titled a coffee master within my 8 months with Starbucks.
3. To do my best and prove to Samsuri that I can qualify as a full-time barista before his promise of 2 months window period.
   

Being a Black Apron is by no means a easy task. Yet, ever since I have obtained knowledge of its existence, I have always wanted to get it. I thus will have to put in an extra effort into working for it. I have to find out more about how I can do so from people who have already done so.