How To Be a Barista:
Is Being a Barista The Right Job For You?

When you think, “How to be a barista?” consider all advantages and disadvantages of the barista job. A barista job can be a lot of fun. If you share a passion for coffee, it may be the right place for you. You can drink and serve delicious espresso from high-quality beans and serve patrons customized drinks. Barista job can be very profitable too. An experienced veteran barista could make at least $45,000 a year. That’s a great motivation for you to become a barista.

But you also need to determine if it’s the right job for you. Have you thought that you will need good stamina to spend hours on your feet without any strain? We've written about barista duties before. Now it's time to review some possible challenges that you may face at a barista job.

What Are The Challenges of a Barista job?

Are you personable?

You will need to be friendly and chatty for many hours during your shift. As a barista, you will have to provide outstanding customer service, and you will see how important a personal connection is. Many customers come not only for a cup of coffee. They want to talk to somebody, have someone to smile at them. And even after a 10-hour shift, you will need to be cheerful.

If you think you are an introvert, you can still provide great customer service and make great coffee drinks.

Some barista positions can be very busy.

There are always easy and busy hours at any coffee shop. When the environment becomes noisy and busy during a peak-hour, you will still have to brew perfect espresso and chat with your customer as if there’s no line behind him or her. Can you do that? We believe you can.

Standing for long periods of time.

Yes, there will be hours when you won’t be able to sit down or lean on the counter. That’s why we advise you to wear comfortable sports shoes and use an anti-slippery mat under your feet. It’ll save you from injuries and excessive waste of supplies.

Multitasking is common.

You will probably have to make espresso, steam your milk, serve dessert, chat with your customers, and charge them at the same time! Don’t worry; as soon as you get into the groove of things, you’ll do almost everything automatically. Commonly, during busy hours you will have your barista team members to help you with your orders.

Lifting 25 lbs. of coffee.

Sometimes you will have to lift coffee shop supplies, like beans, teas, milk, etc., especially if you start an early shift and the suppliers make their delivery. Just try doing something physical on weekends: swimming or jogging – it’s a great way to unwind and prepare yourself physically for any job.

Some repetitive motion.

There’s a risk that you can strain your wrist or elbow while tamping coffee grounds. And you will have to do it hundreds of times a day. Take your time to learn the proper technique of tamping. And when you get tired of some repetitive movements, ask your customer how their day is going.

Early morning shifts.

You’ll need to be ready for early morning and weekend shifts. Try to look at the bright side of… your schedule. If you start early, you will have the other half of the day free. Or if you work on Saturday or Sunday, you’ll rest on Monday or Tuesday, when everyone will be going to work.

Grumpy customers.

It’s inevitable when you work as a barista that you will have to handle unhappy customers. You will need to find your way of dealing with them. If your café policy allows it, you can offer a new drink. Otherwise, try to listen to your customer carefully and do your best to make them leave happy.

Online Barista Training: Preparing Yourself With Coffee Knowledge

Getting barista training can help boost your confidence. Before you apply for a barista job, try to take our online barista training course. Besides knowing more about coffee, it’ll give you a huge advantage when you arrive at your barista job interview. If you already have some background coffee knowledge, it’ll give you more chances for successful employment. Take your time now and get hired tomorrow!

Brought to you by Barista Training Academy, “The Beginning Barista,” Your Ultimate Prep Guide to Getting Your First Job as a Barista” is an ultimate resource that is available online. It is affordable for anybody who is looking to start a career in the coffee industry. For more information, visit our blog.