I spent a year as a Starbucks barista, starting in late 1999, and it was a wonderful job. I think the machines they work on are more automated now, which is gre

I spent a year as a Starbucks barista, starting in late 1999, and it was a wonderful job. I think the machines they work on are more automated now, which is great for consistent quality, but I loved the skill building and quality impact I could have by being passionate. It was great to give people the thing that made them happier (that first cuppa the day), and the tips were okay. I really enjoyed many of my coworkers and we socialized outside of work a lot. The side benefit is that when you start work at 5a and your manager needs to limit you to no overtime, you get a lot of daylight for hiking and golf!