Starbucks was an ideal job that was a solid support as I prepared for: college, moving across the country and marriage
Pros
Perks - free pound of coffee a week (or comparable product) - free drinks for yourself while you are on shift - 30% off merchandise, food and drinks when you are not on shift (plus special shopping days throughout the year with additional percentages off) Great benefits even for part time employees averaging at least 20 hours a week Meeting new friends Flexible schedules - if you work for the company a long time you get vacation hours Stock options - if you are a long term employee you are awarded stock grants and various other stock options - over nearly 10 years I capitalized greatly over this option
Cons
Senior management varies by store - sometimes they are awesome, sometimes they are not so awesome. I have had a few VERY good managers and a few SO-SO (borderline bad) managers. Pay increase is based on your reviews - good review = 3% of your pay rate. On average a $0.20-$0.50 raise every 6 months, shift supervisors do a TON more work and carry much more responsibility and don't really get paid much more than baristas. Let me put it this way, GOOD shift supervisors do a ton more work - I have met plenty who just do the bare minimum and somehow keep their job (you know who you are people).
