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The Complete Guide to Becoming A Barista
The real pay, the real hours, the real grind — and how to know if this career is actually right for you before you spend a cent on training.
by Alumigogo Books
Chapter 1: What Does a Barista Actually Do?
Think you know what a barista does? If you're picturing a leisurely afternoon pouring heart-shaped lattes and chatting with regulars, you've probably never been behind the bar on a Saturday morning. This chapter walks you through the job, hour by hour and task by task, so you know exactly what you're signing up for before you spend a cent on training or a single shift in someone else's shop.
At its core, a barista is a counter-service worker who prepares and serves coffee and espresso-based beverages. But that simple definition hides a job that is equal parts physical labor, customer service, precision craftsmanship, and rapid-fire multitasking. The best way to understand it is to look at the actual responsibilities you'd be expected to handle, day in and day out.
The Opening Shift: Cleaning and Setup
Unless you're working a lunch shift, your day most likely starts before the sun is fully up. Your shift often begins between 5:30 and 7:00 AM, and the first 45 to 60 minutes of that shift is not about making coffee. It's about making the shop ready for coffee.
You'll begin by booting up the espresso machine, which is a large metal appliance with a boiler that heats water to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. You need to flush water through the group heads (the parts where you lock in the portafilter), check the pressure, and ensure the steam wand is clean. You'll also grind coffee beans to