Barista Side Hustle: Why It Can Help You Earn More Money

Can being a barista provide you the financial boost you’re looking for?

Who wouldn’t want to have some extra cash? Having a little extra money gives you more flexibility to travel, purchase new things, or secure a financial cushion. Whether you are paying off student loans, starting your own coffee business, or paying for child care – having a side hustle can be beneficial.

For many of you, being a barista may provide what you are looking for. A fun job with great money potential (when you make tips!)

Despite government reports stating that the economy is strong, many people are struggling to make ends meet. If you put together your rent, utilities, cost of food, etc., you might soon realize that your current job cannot sustain all that. With most nine to five jobs, it’s impossible to pay off all the bills and obligations especially, if you are a young professional and are at the bottom of your career ladder.

A side hustle is a part-time job that might become a source of extra income. You might consider babysitting, food delivery, dog walking, working as a waiter or waitress, starting a blog and becoming a social media influencer, reselling goods, teaching English as a foreign language, baking, or anything your heart desires.

Your side hustle must be something you are interested in and will do willingly. It shouldn’t be too stressful or take up too much of your time and negatively impact your energy level and, consequently, your main job.

Consider Being a Barista as a Side Hustle

Being a barista can boost your personal income when you and your family need it the most. No doubt being a barista while earning tips can provide you with a very decent hourly wage – much more than other part-time jobs.

Being a barista may be a part of a real financial solution for you. This is a perfect side hustle because it doesn't matter how old you are, what educational background you have, or where you live – coffee businesses are always looking for well-trained and knowledgeable baristas. Moreover, many coffee shops are ready to provide basic barista training for new employees. That’s why you might apply to be a barista without any previous experience in coffee.

Being a barista has many perks that make it a perfect side hustle to consider. Working as a barista in a coffee shop offers you flexible working hours, coffee discounts, new knowledge, great people, networking opportunity, and potentially good money. If you are passionate about coffee and know all the options on a Starbucks menu, then being a barista may be the best side hustle option for you right now.

Why being a barista is the perfect side hustle:

1. The Ability to Earn Tips

Although baristas usually earn a minimum hourly wage (which may be pretty high in areas like Seattle), most of the money is made through tips. Tips can be very high sometimes – up to $30-40 per hour in busy cafes. The amount of barista tips depends on the number of customers, the popularity of your coffee shop, effective marketing, and of course, your customer service skills. You will improve your tip earnings the friendlier you are.

Something to keep in mind: Not all baristas earn great tips or any tips at all. Before applying for a barista position, ask about the coffee shop’s tipping policy. Large corporate coffee chains don’t offer their customers a way to tip, so make sure you are ok with their tipping policy before accepting a barista position.

2. A Flexible Schedule

You want to have your side hustle in hours that don’t interfere with your main job or other obligations like school or family. A barista job is perfect for that – most coffee shops offer different part-time options: early morning shifts, late afternoon shifts, or weekend shifts. It allows you to play around with your monthly schedule – and choose the shifts you can do.

 

3. A Transferable Skill – You Can Work Anywhere

The best thing about being a barista is, “Once learned, never forgotten.” Once you get your barista training and a little practice, you can never forget this skill. Who knows what might happen – you might move somewhere else, lose your job, have a life transition, or need a side hustle again – you can become a barista anywhere and at any point of your life.

4. Strengthen Your Resume

While working as a barista, you can learn many more skills besides basic barista competencies and customer service. A barista job is a social job. Even if you are not planning to work in the food industry, you might cultivate your feeling of personal responsibility, learn how to manage your money and time, and develop teamwork and mentorship skills. Write all the skills you gained as a barista in your resume. Don’t forget about problem-solving and negotiation skills – a coffee shop is where you will sometimes deal with difficult customers and work under pressure.

5. A Barista Job And Networking

Every day a barista meets a variety of people who have a chance to become your regulars and even friends. Some people come to a coffee shop searching for a nice conversation, a cozy atmosphere, and friendly faces. If you like to chat, you will have a great time being a barista. You may also improve your chances of increasing your tips. By visiting numerous coffee events, you have a chance to meet your fellow baristas from all over the country and beyond. This is a great opportunity to network and establish some useful connections.

6. Great Coffee Every Day

A barista job allows you to drink and taste great coffees every day and have access to new coffee trends as soon as they appear on the market. You might also be able to treat your friends with several free drinks per day (discuss it with your coffee shop manager). Moreover, every day you learn something new about coffee, coffee and food vendors, restaurant equipment. This is invaluable if you are planning to continue your career in the retail coffee or restaurant business.

Find Your Successful Barista Side Hustle

Being a barista is a perfect side hustle if you are looking for a part-time job and extra cash. Saving for something big or need more money to pursue your goals? Consider being a barista.

When you decide to get a barista job, we recommend you start by visiting your local coffee shop and asking around about open barista vacancies. You may be surprised how soon you might find a barista job. Many coffee shop owners and managers are constantly looking for reliable baristas.

If you are looking for a job online, you should create a solid barista resume. You should also write a cover letter, even if you don’t have any barista experience yet.

If this is the case, consider getting some basic barista training and taking an affordable barista course. Your barista training will increase your chances of finding a barista job. Fortunately, at Barista Training Academy, you will have an opportunity to get online barista training.

Brought to you by Barista Training Academy. The Beginning Barista. Your Ultimate Prep Guide to Getting Your First Job as a Barista is the ultimate barista resource. It is affordable for anybody who is looking to start a career in the coffee industry. For more information, visit our blog.