Everyone’s had that one job. For some, it’s been more than one. It’s the job where you feel like crumbling into a sad pile of emotions by the end of your shift. Whether it’s angry bosses on a power trip or customers who insist they’re always right, sometimes you can’t help but cry. That’s why this Starbucks sign is so relatable — it helps the baristas know they’re not alone.
The photo was posted in the subreddit r/Starbucks, where baristas and managers come together to chat about their company. User abarker27, whose flair indicates they’re a store manager, used the title of “Some days I feel it’s needed. Thanks Karen’s of the world.” (As a Karen myself, I have to admit that I really hate the stereotype my name has created. Especially because it’s growing. Sigh. But that’s beside the point).
The sign itself states, “Employees must stop crying before returning to work,” with a drawing of an eye with tears spilling out. That means it’s happened way more than once at that particular location.
It’s always tough to not take a customer’s bad mood seriously, especially if you happen to face a bunch of them back-to-back. Unfortunately, many people think venting to a barista is a fine idea, failing to realize that the barista is probably undergoing a lot of stress as well.
Some days I feel it’s needed. Thanks Karen’s of the world from r/starbucks
A few baristas took it to mean that crying in public wasn’t allowed. It might not be the most professional move, but sometimes, you’ve just got to let someone know how much their words have weight.
But for others, it was a chance to share their own experiences with feeling emotional at work. Honestly, if you’re a frequent customer at Starbucks or a similar company, it’s important to see how many people have been on the brink of tears.
Crying isn’t necessarily a sign of weakness — it’s a sign that the employee has put way too much pressure on themselves to make sure everything runs smoothly. And sometimes, that’s just impossible to do. Between customer demand and making sure the drinks are correct (especially during a busy rush), baristas are always on the go.
It’s also a reminder that you should treat those in the service industry with respect. Not only are they making your food, but they’re trying to make sure you have a great experience while at the store.
It’s not just service workers who cry. In a Reddit thread from three years back, user smjohns91 asked the AskWomen subreddit if they’ve ever cried at work before, and why.
Some of them are pretty brutal.
It’s up to you if you think it’s unprofessional to cry at work — but sometimes, it’s hard not to. Crying shows that we’re all human, and we all have feelings and breaking points. It’s important to learn how to handle your feelings in public, but if you have an incident where it’s just too hard to reign it all in, don’t be embarrassed. You’re not alone.
