I have been working for SBUX for about 4 months. I loved the job initially. When I got hired I was told that I may not get a lot of hours. OK well got to start somewhere. Within my first week 3 people gave notice and left shortly after. My training was then 'rushed' and I felt very unprepared. I picked up the register quickly and was given that. I never had an opening training shift. I was never 'trained' on the bar so much as put next to someone and suspected to learn by watching things I couldn't quite see. OK well I sort of made it through.
I am a student. When interviewed I had one schedule by hiring I had another - so that 2 availability sheet changes. I had been getting quite a few openings (which I personally love) but find out one class runs late, so I ask my AM (assistant manager) to not schedule me for an open that day. Then I start not getting any openings but still getting decent hours. OK.
I am learning and growing. I feel akward and out-of-place and like I don't belong at my store. I try to interact with other partners and get looked at like I have a third eye or something. But I can tell customers like me. And I am good at the register, but rarely get on bar. I mention this to a new Shift and I start getting bar time. Then she leaves and I am back to no bar-time.
Recently my hours had started being cut back even less. I had told my AM that I was hoping to have very open availability for summer. But when seeing my hours getting reduced I realize I need a second job. So I interview and get hired (but still haven't started). I know I need to update my availability at SBUX.... so I decide, based up the hours I have been getting (usually shifts before noon) and the timing of the other jobs (kind of similar open hours to SBUX) that I will work til noon Sun-Thurs at SBUX and afternoons at other job. I sit down with AM and explain this. He proceeds to tell me how others have left, how I have kept changing my schedule and will change it again when school starts again, etc. I am not a 'freshly out of highschool' person. I have enough years on me to have had a few other jobs in other avenues (some extremely professional) and I know how to 'work.' The AM talks to me like I am a child. Says he doesn't see why he would give me the times I want when there are others who have open time. Basically implies I shouldn't get the second job either. I tell him I have to to pay my bills, etc - I don't want to I HAVE to. Anyway, he says he will 'do what he can.'
I go away shortly after for a trip (family drama). I call and find out I am working 1 day a week for the next 3 weeks. I had been working at least 3-4, now I am at 1. OK...
I come back to work and see it is true I am working 1 day a week but they have also changed the current schedule while I was gone for my time THAT DAY. I called 2 days prior and it was one time, I come in it's working longer, which I can't do because I have an appointment. Long story short (I know this isn't) I decide based upon 1 day a week and such that I may need to change locations.
When I tell my AM this I am met with how my performance is poor, my attitude is negative and I use profanity too much. What?! I have never fit in there but I had asked a Shift before I left what I could do or anything. She said I was great to work with and she had heard nothing negative. I am gone for a week and I come back to them saying they had had 'numerous complaints' about my attitude.
This combined with the changing of the schedules I am now getting the distinct impression I am being muscled out. I have NEVER been late or missed a shift. I have ALWAYS been nice to customers. If I don't know how to do something, I ask - which I was told I ask too many questions too. I don't claim to know how to do things right or even vaguely correct. And I have ALWAYS told EVERYONE I work with - please tell me if I am doing something that could be done better or more accurately because I want to be good at this job.
I am not sure what to do now because I think these accusations are completely unfounded. If you knew me you would know they are wrong - especially the ones about profanity. I wasn't allowed to cuss at all til I was 18 and I still have not taken to it even 10 years later. And I am very laid back and easy going. If I am told to do something I do it. But at 4 months and recently ver few hours (less that 10 a week) the job is not second nature to me. Now I am told I am doing it all wrong?
I don't know what to do. I would change locations but I am now afriad they will give me a bad reference. I don't want to talk to the AM or manager because it is obvious they have their opinions and any prior talks have just backfired (ie. me saying I had to take a second job for money and then getting even less hours). It feels like while I was gone they decided they didn't want me there anymore (probably because I don't fit in, I am over 25 and have a life outside of work that is very active and involved) and now rather than fire me or such they are either trying to muscle me out or come up with ways to fire me. I wasn't written up officially (that I know of - how would I know?) but it was obviously a very stern talking to.
Now I feel like to stay there I have to nod and giggle and be a drone. Is that true? Is that what SBUX really wants? And does my getting along with customers, having a good chemistry with them really mean nothing? And its been 4 months, am I supposed to know it all so well now that I can't ask questions?
Please... can anyone give me adive on this? Does it seem like I am being 'phased out' to any of you?
I like the job, I like the customers and I like making the drinks and working a ridiculous o'clock in the morning. I really do. And I don't want to lose my health insurance (which I just got) but I just feel like at any moment they will either fire me or change the schedule and not tell me so I get the 4am "where are you?" call and then get written up for missing a shift..... what can I do?
Advice?
being muscled out....
(23 posts) (13 voices)-
Posted 4 years ago #
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annoyed
I don't know how much time you have spent on this site, but your story is the same as many many others on here. Regardless of weather or not the "accusations" against you are true, communications at your store sucks. "IF" they were true, why did it take you discussing a transfer for them to come to your attention? I am a manager, and if a problem with an employee is brought to my attention, it is my job to deal with it immediately, not tuck it away in their file only to bring up when a transfer or promotion is discussed. This is not just **** poor management, it’s stupid.
What I would do, if I were you, put in for a transfer. You can't control what your manager says about you. They will say what they will. Worse that can happen, you don't get the transfer. If that happens. Put in more hours at your other job. Keep the 10+ hours a week at Starbucks, sounds to me like there is a lot of turn over in that company (I don't work for 'bucks by the way). Or quite. 10 bucks an hour for what they are paying isn't all that much I am sure, is it really worth it to keep? Start looking around for a job with a real company, when you get one, get out of starbucks. Like I said, your story is just one of 100's I've read on here. It’s pretty common; I don't think you want to work for them. What part of the country are you in by the way?Good luck, check back in and let us know how things go with your "situation"
Posted 4 years ago # -
wow parrotheadkrm... u really have begun to sound like me... lol... come into my parlour said the spider to the fly.
Posted 4 years ago # -
I live in Oregon. Thanks for the advice and such. Right now my biggest reason (only maybe?) for wanting to keep the job is the health insurance. But with the reduced hours, I am sure I will lose it in 3 months, anyway. For now I figure I will do what they say or try to, get to the doctor like I need to and in 3 months if things aren't better I will leave.
It is just sad because the job itself - serving people, interacting with customers, etc. is exactly what I like. But the biggest reason why I applied to SBUX was because I wanted a job that I could do and leave at the end of the day - no drama and no stress. The last few weeks have been almost more drama or stress than other past jobs. Makes me question why I am here 'wasting' my time at all.... aside from health insurance. (I don't even drink coffee)Posted 4 years ago # -
OBX- I think I took a bump to the head a few weeks ago.
Posted 4 years ago # -
yah parrotheadkrm... its called coming to your senses... lol...
annoyed... as parrotheadkrm stated this is sadly s.o.p. for starbucks. you have the right idea/plan about getting out. i understand that the health insurance is important; it seems that starbucks almost tries to make you sick so you stay for the insurance.... kind of a catch 22... but even i am not THAT much of a conspiracy believer... lol. but as i have said many times to individuals. a pay cut is still cheaper than therapy.Posted 4 years ago # -
If you make it clear to your SM or AM that you are here for the benefits they have to give you the hours that you need to maintain them. You have the avalabitliy......ask for a transfer just remember that eveywhere you go there is drama.
Posted 4 years ago # -
How do I put in for a transfer? I went to a few locations and spoke to their managers. I told them I was a barista at my location and that recently my availability had changed and so I wasn't getting many hours there. I said I would love to pick up a few extra shifts or, if possible, transfer to their location. The managers both said they would check with my manager. One said, "After you pick up a few shifts we'll go from there." I haven't heard from any of them. So what more can I do for a transfer?
Oh, and yesterday I worked (one of the 3 days I got this month!) and saw the schedule upcoming. Next Sunday and then NOTHING the following week. Not a single hour. I am the only person on a list of like 14 employees without a single, scheduled hour. If that isn't a sign I don't know what is.
At this point my plan is to look for any entirely different job and/or approach a few competitors and say "I work for SBUX but would LOVE to leave them and work for you." I would like to talk to my manager and just say "So is my not being on the schedule at all going to be a regular thing?" but I am sure I'll be given some other lame answer or told that my asking it 'too combative' or something else like that. All I know is I am flat broke, can't pay a single bill AND have no prospective income coming in.
Why aren't they just firing me? Waiting for me to quit? What's the deal???
Posted 4 years ago # -
I don't understand that. Are they that over staffed, that they only need people coming in once a week or even less? I don't get that. I don't work at Starbucks, I never have (and never will) but man, it just seems like the if they only have people working once a week, they are way over staffed? That makes NO sense from a business stand point, none that I can think of anyway.
Posted 4 years ago # -
hey parrotheadkrm let me try and explain. its called passive aggressive behavior and it is common place (and encouraged) at starbucks. most, if not all, the management at starbucks is unable, or unwilling, to admit to their own incompetence or inabilities and therefore shift the blame and responsibility to the other person. i.e. making your manager aware (even in the most professional manner) that you are unhappy with a situation that they have created, or allowed, (intentional or not) will get you labeled as "too combative". bringing attention to the shortcomings (yeah i am being kind) of a superior will result in an instant action of these passive aggressive behaviors. if you persist then they will begin to label you with other negative terms. this allows them to justify taking you off the schedule and deflecting the real problem from themselves onto you. now before you say it, yes, i know that this happens in other companies and in relationships, BUT!, it is so pervasive and so encouraged by management at starbucks that it literally permeates the every day workings of the company and its business model. no, it does not make ANY sense "from a business stand point" but that piece of knowledge has so far eluded them. remember they closed the stores to "retrain" the baristas, NOT the management.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Hi there guys,
I have to say that I agree with many of the opinions expressed above. I have now taken the stance that to survive at the bucks one must NOT express any opinions. Face it, sensitivities are HIGH. Anyone disagree???
Posted 4 years ago # -
They are not I repeat NOT that overstaffed. They schedule people together who work well together so they can schedule less people. Thats why, when you need to find a replacement if you are sick and god help you if you dont find someone, it has to be approved by your manager. I think it totally sucks that we have to find someone to fill in. No one wants to fill in, unless they really like you or really need the hours. It takes an act of God to find someone to take your shift when you feel like crap. And shifts are set up with personalities in mind too. Its best to find a pool of people that you work well with and call them if you really need to cover your shift. Thats your best bet. Management, I have found are in their own little world and won't help you if it causes them inconvenience. My manager turned out to be a 2faced B. She tried to put workers against each other to find out what was going on in the store instead of being there with us to see what it was like. She took others opinions and held them to be fact instead of finding out the truth for her own personal reasons. I cant tell you the number of times she said that if you were having a bad day or needed a time out, just ask and it will be given to you....when ?????? when there was a line at the DT and in the store and someone was off doing an endless lobby slide and there where only 2 people to cover the rest? Yeah, thats a great time to ask for a time out! NOT. And dont ever say whats on your mind .... They are such Jerks!
Posted 4 years ago # -
You are saying if I tell them I am there for the health insurance or I need the health insurance they HAVE to give me the hours? Well, I have made it *very* clear I need, want, require the health insurance. From day one. And I repeat it very often because I have a serious shoulder injury. They know, they can't possibly not know. But now the latest? I am not on the schedule for 2 weeks. Not a single hour. Last week and this upcoming week, nothing. Nada.
I went from 25+ hrs/wk to 5 to nothing. I have NO CLUE what is really going on. I asked one person there I feel comfortable with (a shift) and she said nothing. Others have said 'everyone's hours are been lessened since business is slow.' Everyone? Then how come the few golden children of our store are still well over 35+ hours a week? How come there are 3 that basically work the same shifts every day since I started? But SBUX does not give a set schedule? And how come I looked at the 2 weeks I am not scheduled and everyone, even the 3 new hires (2 of which I am surprised can tie their own shoes without color-print instructions with diagrams and an instructional video) all have over 15 hours each the 2 weeks I have none?!
Looking at the health insurance requirement of 240 hrs a quarter and having no way of getting that now with having been without so many hours, I don't see how I am going to keep my health insurance at all. I gave them 48 hrs of availability a week and have only asked for 20 of it. And they can't do it. So the way I see it, come September time or whenever it is th quarter ends, I lose my health insurance. I have told all my doctors we have to have my hsoulder fixed by then, completely, because I doubt I can have health insurance after that - Cobra is expensive and personal health insurance I can afford (not yet though) has a no pre-existing clause.
So I am essentially screwed. And with no hours the last month I have used up all of my money and have $100 to my name. I had a great second job lined up (at Apple) that took too long to come through with their training so I had to find something else. Pays the same but less hours than what Apple would have done.
Now I have 1 job that gives me no hours but takes up time on my availability for another job, but I get health insurance. And a second job that pays alright but has fewer hours than I need to survive.I have made an entire spreadsheet in Excel starting with day 1 of my SBUX experience listing days people left, I was told I was doing good, etc. all up til now. My *plan* (and let me know if I am wrong) is that after I leave SBUX (once the insurance is done I am NOT sticking around) I will place formal complaints with corporate as well as contact the DM to inform them of what's going on. The way I see it, my store have violated the policies and mission statement of the company - they aren't flexible with the hours, they have not encouraged my continued education but instead complained I would be changing my availability again when school started, they are not helping me get and keep health insurance and they are very obviously and clearly picking favorites when it comes to scheduling - if the store is having less business, then everyone's hours should be affected. Yes, I would LOVE to put in a complaint now but honestly I am afraid they will find out and fire me. Yes, I know I'd have a case for wrongful or revengefull dismissal but I am dirt broke and can't afford to lose the health insurance or the being fired on my record.
If anyone has other ideas, I welcome them. Right now I am horribly depressed and discouraged....
Posted 4 years ago # -
Just to update, I called SBUX corporate helpline today and filed a complaint about my manager ans supervisor.
I also found out about health insurance and how it is covered til the end of the month in which the employment is ended. That being the case, my plan is to give my notice beginning of August, have it go til end of August and give me time to find another job. Cobra won't be cheap but it will be retroactive so any out-of-pocket expenses will be covered once it kicks in.
I am just so done with SBUX. Once i have given notice I am writing a huge blog about this inicident and telling everyone I know to boycott and avoid SBUX at all costs. This stuff has to stop. They can't treat people this way - the way they treated me or the way so many others have mentioned on this website. This is ridiculous!!Posted 4 years ago # -
Any SBUX partner can work as many hours a week as they want, up to 40. You just have to get off your ****, quit complaining, and call around to other nearby stores and ask if they have any shifts they need covered that week. And you can leave your name and number at any store for partners who need to get shifts covered. Besides, you might find a stores you like better...and then ask for a transfer.
Posted 4 years ago # -
I have an interview meeting tonight with a big financial company (coincidentally, a customer is interviewing me)... If I get it, I am going to put my notice in tomorrow... I cant work for Starbucks anymore... That's it... I'm done--I'll never work in a Starbucks retail store ever... I Will only do corporate... I almost never see my DM in my store... My store manager is stressed out because of all of the pressure they put on her. She has no ASM... I don't fault her either--shes great, and would be much better if she had adequate help... Starbucks idea of good management is assbackwards... They even go so far as to count you down on your reviews if you "speak out against starbucks values"... Give me a break you...
Posted 4 years ago # -
Good luck PlehhitSux. I was hopeful as to a corporate SB job but after discussions with a recruiter there, nothing was going to move before Oct./Nov., and that is only if the financial picture improves, which I don't see happening.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Right, but for SB corporate--i was talking about later in life if it is even around. They got too greedy, expanded too fast in a sloppy manner, and blames the people who work there for it. Especially when they didn't do everything they could have to set us up for success, such as setting up such stringent labor requirements that left us greatly understaffed in combination with a whole bunch of other huge problems. They're getting dumped on now, and thats what they deserve.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Get off my ****???!!! THAT is what I have DONE! I went to 10 other stores in my area and gave them my name and number. I even made little business card things and signs for them to hang in their break-room. Nothing. Not a single call. I know I can work up to 40 hours a week, but not if people don't call me. And from the sounds of it, they call my manager to ask about me and, that's the problem. If my store has turned against me I am screwed.
I am not complaining, per se. I wrote on here to get feedback and ideas, not to be attacked by other people. If I wanted that, I'd be at SBUX everday. I wrote all that was going on and then was updating. Telling me to get off my **** and get the hours... well I tried that. I like the job. I wanted the job. And I did all I could to keep the job but if no store is giving me the hours, I can't do it. And I know that at my location the manager says try one of our people first. So maybe other stores do too and that is why I am not getting called. I know for a fact this isn't for lack of trying.
I did all I could and nothing has worked. I have found out when my insurance ends and after that I am no longer staying with SBUX. If i have to pay COBRA anyway, then I may as well leav,e find something better and pay it while looking for another better job.As for others going to SBUX corporate.... one can only hope that if enough of us who have been on the front lines with horror stories go to corporate then maybe, eventually, things could change. Good luck!
Posted 4 years ago # -
BARISTAS BEWARE:
YOUR MGRS WILL PREY ON YOUR IGNORANCE LIKE A COUGAR.Posted 4 years ago # -
Darkroast---thanks for the heads up. i agree with what you said about managers preying on bitchristas' ignorance. i took this job to get insurance while i do some studying. i work like a friggin dog at this job because i only have one setting...to work hard. i feel like my manager really takes advantage of that. she will do anything i ask her to do for me, but that's because i do everything she asks me to do...no questions asked. i'm the go-to guy when drains need to be cleaned, for example. but i always get this strange feeling that she's trying to pull the wool over my eyes.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Job...you are making her look bad. I am the same way...one setting...to work hard. I am a very hard worker and probably the best at my store, but it is because I want to run a smooth shift and lead by example and show to my fellow partners on my shift that we are all an equal part in how that shift is going to go that night. I just happen to have the added task (to my already multitasking list)of needing to do cash management. I want to get out on time (or a little early) and not be stressed by "coffee". Plus, everyone has there own story/drama affecting them. As long as we all work together and pull equal weight (to those other ****-busting shifts...I'll take you giving me 30%...as long as I don't have to find a task for you every 10 minutes)shifts run pretty smooth and enjoyable. Plus I have had many baristas and shifts telling me they like working with me since shifts always run pretty smooth and on schedule. Makes me wonder about some other shifts level of work ethic or the fact that they are supposed to be your "work buddy" but don't set your shift up for success. My hard work is a reflection of me personally so I feel the need to be a good example. Plus it is not really that hard to multitask and keep things running smoothly if you are "truely" leading your shift. I think it comes down to if you have given up. I know I have been there and that is why I understand when I come into a shift (of HELL) and just turn into that Buck ROBOT. I look at it this way, I will come in and spend time focusing on gettting the store clean and things in there place and then have a smooth shift the rest of the night. (I don't find it too difficult to put everyting in it's place since it has one.) I have to be doing something anyway, but at least the time is going by. But my fellow shifts/SM...if I ever don't have thte store perfect you better not even open your mouth. And they never do...Hey they wouldn't wanted me to give up like them, would they??
Posted 4 years ago # -
Says you posted this a year ago... did you give up?
Posted 2 years ago #
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