The Starbucks Lifestyle

I am sure that many of you have been to a Starbucks coffee shop at least once in your life. If you have not, I would highly recommend going into a store and experiencing what it is like. It might just change your life.

I have worked for Starbucks Coffee Company, on and off, for almost 4 years. It is by far my favorite job that I have ever had. I started with Starbucks back in August 2009 in good old Fort Wayne, IN. At that point in my life, it was the first job that I had ever had. I worked there until about April 2010 when I was let go for being tardy to work. Needing a job, I found my summer filled working for a landscaping company.

While working at my job in landscaping, I realized how much I missed working at Starbucks. I found out that they could not rehire me until 6 months had passed from my release with the company. So I stuck it out, and worked my landscaping job until I was eligible for rehire. At the 6th month mark, I applied to Starbucks again and was quickly rehired.

At about the one year mark since I was rehired, I was approached by someone asking me to come with him and help start a company. Being an entrepreneur at heart and needing the extra money, I was lured away from my job at Starbucks. I remember one of my coworkers at Starbucks telling me before I left, "You are going to come back. They always do". 

Some time past and I found myself missing Starbucks again. I asked myself, "What is it about that place that always has me wanting to come back?". Sure enough, I am currently back at Starbucks in Carmel, IN, and I plan to stay with the company for a long time. 

Now that you know a little more about me and my story with Starbucks, I want to share with you something that I think can change the world. 

Starbucks is recognized around the world for its outstanding customer service. During training, baristas are taught to not only make drinks, but how to become better at interacting with the customers and creating the "Starbucks experience". Simply, Starbucks teaches us to become servants. That is Starbucks "It Factor". 

Could you imagine what the world might be like if we all became servants? It is not always an easy thing to do, but isn't the end worth it? I know that I would love a world that was more like what I get to see and do at Starbucks. 

I challenge you to try to become more servant-like. There are simple things we can do to make a difference. While you are out, maybe just try to be more aware of what is going on around you. A simple gesture of holding the door open for someone can change their attitude for the day. 

Seeing the difference I get to make in peoples lives, in and outside of my job, makes what I do so worth it.