I felt this way as a barista, too! I loved figuring out the most efficient setup and processes to get drink out, and I still love that puzzling together of processes in various jobs today.
I wrote a similar post last year about how being a barista helped me see the root of what I want out of work. Despite the complexities of service work under capitalism, there is still something so special about this particular job. (I hear similar things from folks across the service/restaurant industry! There’s so much joy to be found in this work, if we just treat workers right.)
Thank you for mentioning your piece! I know I'm not the only person to feel this way, so hearing how others have found satisfaction in barista work is deeply rewarding and special.
Always a linear thinker, but never an intellectual! Coffee allowed me to have a space to, and time to order my thinking, and enjoy a moment of separation from the oncoming avalanche of the day. Coffee first, day second.
Ever since I first read you, Ashley, I've felt as if you were writing out my own thoughts. Although I'm with James on the morning brew anticipation (shockingly accurate), you got me again with the puzzles. Great piece, thank you.
Oh, that's such a kind sentiment to share! Thank you for letting me know I'm articulating universal thoughts and feelings! It's lovely to know that what you feel is shared by others.
every morning I wake up looking forward to the beginning of the day because it is marked by coffee and reading. It's what makes me get up and, yes, what makes me really sad when it's over.
I read so many things while I drink my coffee, and one of these things is your newsletter. Fun, right? Drinking coffee while reading a coffee newsletter.
Although the reason why I was immediately attracted by your work the first moment I encountered it it was the fact that it was not just about lcoffee, but the extreme impact that the coffee culture has on our daily life. Especially the life of people working in the industry.
As an Italian, coming from a country in which we strongly believe they make the best coffee in the world and it is a thing so far from being true, I learn a lot from your writings. Not just on what happens in the international coffee world (I had no idea of the union-busting corporations) but also how to tackle the topic from different angles. It is what I try to do with my food newsletter which is also verticalized on one topic: I want to go beyond the boring "I'll tell you where you can eat the best". I want to serve an higher purpose like you do.
Keep up with your incredible work and thanks for being part of my joy of coffee every morning. 🙂
I felt this way as a barista, too! I loved figuring out the most efficient setup and processes to get drink out, and I still love that puzzling together of processes in various jobs today.
I wrote a similar post last year about how being a barista helped me see the root of what I want out of work. Despite the complexities of service work under capitalism, there is still something so special about this particular job. (I hear similar things from folks across the service/restaurant industry! There’s so much joy to be found in this work, if we just treat workers right.)
My post, if you want yo know how my experience as a barista helped me discover what “good work” means to me. https://www.healthyrich.co/p/good-work
Thank you for mentioning your piece! I know I'm not the only person to feel this way, so hearing how others have found satisfaction in barista work is deeply rewarding and special.
This is a wonderful piece, Ashley.
I couldn't have written it without you! I didn't even know about the SFGate piece until I read about it in your newsletter!
Always a linear thinker, but never an intellectual! Coffee allowed me to have a space to, and time to order my thinking, and enjoy a moment of separation from the oncoming avalanche of the day. Coffee first, day second.
Love this!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. I love humans and coffee!
Thank you so much!!!
Ever since I first read you, Ashley, I've felt as if you were writing out my own thoughts. Although I'm with James on the morning brew anticipation (shockingly accurate), you got me again with the puzzles. Great piece, thank you.
Oh, that's such a kind sentiment to share! Thank you for letting me know I'm articulating universal thoughts and feelings! It's lovely to know that what you feel is shared by others.
My dear Ashley,
every morning I wake up looking forward to the beginning of the day because it is marked by coffee and reading. It's what makes me get up and, yes, what makes me really sad when it's over.
I read so many things while I drink my coffee, and one of these things is your newsletter. Fun, right? Drinking coffee while reading a coffee newsletter.
Although the reason why I was immediately attracted by your work the first moment I encountered it it was the fact that it was not just about lcoffee, but the extreme impact that the coffee culture has on our daily life. Especially the life of people working in the industry.
As an Italian, coming from a country in which we strongly believe they make the best coffee in the world and it is a thing so far from being true, I learn a lot from your writings. Not just on what happens in the international coffee world (I had no idea of the union-busting corporations) but also how to tackle the topic from different angles. It is what I try to do with my food newsletter which is also verticalized on one topic: I want to go beyond the boring "I'll tell you where you can eat the best". I want to serve an higher purpose like you do.
Keep up with your incredible work and thanks for being part of my joy of coffee every morning. 🙂
Thank you so much for this kind note!
From a former UK starbucks store supervisor… and coffee world lover, thanks!
Thank you so much!
Great column! Thank you!
Appreciate your kindness!