Something has been off these past few weeks for me. I have become increasingly aware that people look down on me for working at a huge, multi-billion dollar company. Like I've sold out or something.
1. Local coffee shops here in Las Cruces are pieces of shit, by and large. The Bean is an exception; they've always been pretty friendly, and their coffee/food is good. Milagro is awful. The last time Jon and I were there, the young man at the counter sarcastically remarked 'thanks!' to Jon when he scratched out the tip line. Two things wrong with this. First- Jon prefers to leave physical tips, and scratches out the tip line habitually. His sister worked in the service industry, and knew people who would write in tips. He also likes to have the current balance in his account be up to date, without anticipating another missing few dollars while the system updates. Secondly- no one at a cafe is really entitled to a tip. It's just that- a reward for good service. Not only did this dipshit loose our tip for himself, but he prevented his coworkers from sharing it as well. I like getting tips, but I don't expect people to give them. I'm not waiting on their table, and I'm not refilling their water glass periodically. I'm just doing my job- they can tip or not, but I won't be an ass about it. This character made a show of taking thirty minutes to make two simple drinks. He served everyone behind us first, so that we could witness the effects of not catering to his tantrum.
2. I am not oppressed by 'the man'. No one put a gun to my head and told me to work at the Bux. I needed money, and none of the local places would give me the time of day. I work for a good company. I don't mind if they don't care about me. I get to have free bevs all shift, get a pound of coffee/canister of tea every week, and my shifts are easy to work with. The people that sometimes make the job unpleasant are the entitled asshats who come in and bother me about things I can't help. One gentleman (term used loosely) kept pestering me about the air not working properly. I had been out in the sun cleaning up cigarette butts and trash, and was sweating profusely. I came inside to do the same, and advised the guy to sit away from the sun, since the air was on the blink. He refused to move, and insisted on repeating his complaint each day. I didn't major in electrical engineering. Neither did any of my coworkers. We had to rely on the repairman, and he took his time getting to our place.
Go to a local place and see if it's any better. Milagro was hot as fuck the last time I was there. But I knew it was hotter still behind the counter, and didn't say anything. I'm not a stupid prick who enjoys harassing others. Also, there's been a push at a few Sbux stores in metropolitan areas to have blank plates put on outlets. People are outraged that a free, optional service is being withheld.
"Where else am I going to surf the internet, conduct my business, or study all day in an air conditioned environment? My home?" It's a freaking business. They are here to make money. People who camp all day do not generate profit, believe it or not. They are usually cheapskates who order a tall coffee, demand refills, and request Trenta sized cups of (free) water. If they take their business elsewhere, Sbux won't even notice they're gone (unless the electric bill goes down). I know customers who leave if there is no room to sit, and that's shame. They are the ones who really want to hang out with their friends and socialize over a beverage, pastry, and (possibly) more treats.
I'm not going to make a career out of this job. I'm doing it for some cash while I support my main ambition: writing. I just thought I'd take a moment to defend a place that's given me a chance to support myself.
