As of last week I am offically a Starbucks Barista … again … for the the second time. Little known fact: I have worked for and quit from Starbucks twice in two different cities before my most recent rehire here in beautiful Dallas. A sophomore at the University of Minnesota and fresh into my first apartment, I “worked” one shift for 3 hours in late September of 2000. No sooner was I handed my green apron then I returned it – a little disappointed at my lack of endurance. But way more sleepy than disappointed. Turns out a five o’clock AM start time and a 12:30 PM History of Journalism class don’t mix very well. I opted for the education. Woops.

I might’ve have forgotten about the incident had I not recieved a W2 the following January for $23 I didn’t received. The manager smirked when I asked if she still had my check. I eventually recieved payment after a rather lengthy conversation with the corporate office.

Jump ahead 4 years. New to Austin, TX, with a wife, a baby, and pretty much no plan, I needed a fast job. Michele at the Brodie Oaks store was gracious enough to hire me, train me, and proceed to slave drive me on the espresso bar. I spent nine months (Novmber to August) at that store. Rich, Matt, and (mainly) Amhir Hidalgo made my time there thoroughly enjoyable. Then I got a real job.

Jump to Dallas. I’m working as a graphic designer for a nonprofit and loving it. We’ve incurred some unexpected medical bills and there’s a Starbucks across the street. The bills were an excellent excuse to give up on quitting coffee. I signed up once again in order to “catch up financially.” Free coffee aside.

I thought it was kind of cool until the other day when an acquaintence suggested I “knew what she meant” about having to deal with people because I “work in fast food.” I don’t offend easily – and I’m kind of ashamed that I was. But I was. Fast food emplyee? Is this the general public’s perception of me? Should I care? Is it wrong to quietly hate this woman?

Whatever. To hell with the public perception. That’s where it’s headed on most things anyway. I like making drinks. I enjoy serving coffee. And I love walking to and from work. Maybe I need to be put in my place here – if so, please post. But I think the position of a barista, though it’s no apprenticeship to Martha Stewart, is a fairly respectable job.