My First Day at the Coffee Shop Was a Disaster (But I'm Not Sorry)

Anonymous Shifty Imp #740 · General

So, today was my first day as a barista at this super hip coffee shop downtown. I've been counting down the days to start working there because it's such a cool spot and everyone on the internet raves about it. The second I stepped in through those doors, though, I knew something wasn't right. First of all, there are these two baristas named Taylor and Alex who clearly have this thing going on where they act like they're better than everyone else because they've been working here longer. They rolled their eyes the moment I walked through the door and whispered to each other about how someone finally got a new job (like it was some kind of curse). The customer service training? It lasted all of five minutes as the manager, Mr. Johnson, breezed past me and threw out these vague instructions on how we should be friendly and quick. Then he disappeared into his office, only to emerge an hour later with a mountain of paperwork for me to fill out while my coworkers went about their business like I wasn't even there. I had this moment where I thought maybe they were just testing me, you know? See how long it takes until someone steps up and helps the newbie. But then when lunch rolled around and everyone else sat down to eat together without offering any help or even a friendly nod my way, I decided that couldn't be it. So, here's where things got really bad: there was this regular customer who comes in every day at exactly 10 AM and orders the same drink - espresso with a double shot. Today, I forgot to make his order while prepping for the morning rush, and he practically screamed when I handed him a cup of black coffee instead. He's got these intense eyes and an even more intense beard that kind of gives off this 'I'm about to snap' vibe. Now, here's where I need your help: Is it normal to feel so out-of-place on day one? Or am I just overthinking things because everyone else seems to have a routine going but somehow left me out of the loop? Should I try talking to Taylor and Alex about why they're being so cold or wait until next week when maybe they'll be in better moods after this weekend's holiday is done? What would you do if you were me? Are there any baristas who've been through something similar at their workplace?