Pros
Starbucks offers an excellent benefits package for even part-time employees which is almost unheard of especially in this industry. I know because I was once an benefits underwriter. I believe the Starbucks experience can vary widely depending on the store manager. I know people who love working at Starbucks, even people who really don't like coffee. I have never been a big fan of Starbucks coffee because I am a coffee snob. Some of their roasts are better than others--which matters because you are really selling the coffee and the experience. I did find however I could get behind selling it because there are many people out there who love it. I did become a "coffee master" which gave me more understanding of the eco friendly practices etc that they use. (another plus) Although, I do not agree with all the management decisions, having worked for other large companies they are better than most at trying to give employees opportunities to be involved and to grow. If you are interested in working for Starbucks spend time in the location you are applying for check out the energy in the place and see if the baristas are having fun and if your beverage tastes good. Once you are hired, it is not that difficult to get transferred to a different location but the locations with the bad managers are always ones than need more staff. I have to say the the free coffee is great, discounts on merchandise are great but what I enjoyed most about working at Starbucks were our customers. We did have some rude people as you always do in a customer service job but our regulars were, for the most part, wonderful people and I miss seeing them.
Cons
It is a tiring job. You are on your feet the entire time and you are smiling delivering that great customer service and for me it could be exhausting. Of course, there are accidental burns but usually nothing serious. Some people gain a lot of weight because they drink too many high calorie specialty drinks and eat too many pastries. But of course, if you watch what you are doing that doesn't have to happen. The other down side is that from what I have seen very few people are lucky enough to get some kind of set schedule. Especially if you are above a barista you will most likely be required to close and open so it can mess with your sleep if you are sensitive to that kind of thing. Some people will say that they did not get enough hours - I found that if you are willing to work the less popular shifts you could always get more than enough hours. Getting shifts covered could be a little more difficult but I never found it impossible.
