She Strengthens

Breaking Free from the Grind: Why I Left the Service Industry Behind

My Journey as a Barista

I spent four years working as a barista, but in 2020, I decided to hang up my apron for good. When I first started at Starbucks in 2015, the company was ahead of the curve, offering double-digit starting wages. However, as the years went by, I saw significant changes in the industry. With the rise of cashless payments, cash tips became a thing of the past, and overtime shifts disappeared. The COVID-19 pandemic was the final nail in the coffin, and my location closed indefinitely.

A Shift in Perspective

As a shift supervisor, I was fortunate to have guaranteed hours, but for the weeks I didn’t work, Unemployment Assistance covered the difference. I received the maximum benefit amount of $504 a week, plus an additional $600 from the surplus. It was surreal – I was making over $1100 a week without working. This experience made me realize that I had been undervaluing myself and my skills.

Freelancing: A New Chapter

After saving my money, I moved back to my hometown in South Carolina and rediscovered my passion for freelance writing and graphic design. Having control over my earnings and workload reignited my ambition and discipline. I was no longer just trying to make ends meet; I was invested in my future and had an entrepreneurial spirit to match.

The Service Industry’s Struggle

It’s no surprise that the service industry is struggling to find help. With non-competitive wages, demanding customers, and rigorous workloads, it’s hard to find incentives to stay. The pandemic forced many service workers to get creative with their finances and reevaluate their worth. Even with the vaccine, exposure risks remained high, and many opted out of returning to work.

A New Era for Workers

As I see job postings in my hometown offering double-digit rates, I’m hopeful that liveable wages are becoming the norm. It’s about time companies prioritized their employees’ well-being and provided benefits like affordable healthcare and employee protection. The service industry needs to humanize workers again, supporting and protecting them in their roles.

My Future

While I’m grateful for the lessons I learned in the service industry, I don’t see myself returning anytime soon. It’s time for me to apply my skills to a bigger, better, and bossier version of myself and my future. The pandemic may have been a catalyst for change, but it’s also given me a newfound appreciation for my worth and a fire for life that I haven’t felt in years.