Starbucks

I find an odd amount of joy by going to Starbucks. I mean, yes, they do provide me my daily dose of caffeine, which is totally necessary. But beyond that, there is always something I find to make me smile. 

First of all, kudos to the baristas. I don't think I've ever had an unpleasant barista. They really have the customer service thing down! And really, I interact with the barista for less than one minute probably total. Take order, take money, have a nice day. And even with that they always seem to make me smile. 

I have also heard that Starbucks is an excellent place to work. They give benefits to even their part time employees, good pay, etc. Starbucks is my backup plan. I have thought, for many years already, that some day I need to work at a Starbucks. I need to be a part of what gives me so much happiness, and see why the baristas are always so happy! Do they really like their jobs so much? And if so, I'm in! But seriously, whether its a part time job while the kids are at school, or a retirement gig when I'm old, jobless when we relocate for Chris's job? I'm going straight to the nearest Starbucks. Do you think I'm qualified? My last retail/customer service job was at Panera in high school... but I have a master's degree, and I know my lattes, so I think I can cut it as a barista.

Oh yeah, Starbucks is also a sponsor of really great humanitarian efforts, creating jobs in America, building greener stores, and free trade coffee. Too bad their coffee is so expensive. Unfortunately, it is also superb. I guess that's pretty good business.

My favorite Starbucks experience? Oh wait, I have two. See? I told you I loved this place. First one: Going to the first Starbucks in Seattle. Now those have got to be the superior baristas. The place is always packed with tourists of course, so there was a greeter who told you which line to go in, the person that took your order and the person that gave you your coffee. They had it down to an art, and in those 45 seconds, still managed to ask you where you are from, etc. What an interesting place to work! I bet you would meet so many interesting people. My second favorite Starbucks experience is when someone in front of me paid for my drink. I've done this before, especially around Christmas time, but man did it make my day when it was done for me. What a wonderful tradition that Starbucks has encouraged, random acts of kindness. Nothing better than giving back a little hope for an overall rundown society. 

Genius: http://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/mission-statement