I thought I'd share a few impressions about my first few days at the coffee house. I'm a first-class barista now. Not. Okay, so: my first two days were quite good. I have great colleagues (mostly), most of them are patient. The customers are similarly nice and patient. My third day, a Saturday, quickly turned … Continue reading Making Coffee: My First Few Days
Tag: Precarity
Can I Make You a Coffee?
Today was the day. My first (proper) day as barista. My head is spinning. Coffee, coffee, coffee. Caffè Latte. Latte Macchiato. Cappuccino. First milk. First espresso. Lactose free. Almond milk. Flavors. No flavors. Hot milk. Cool milk. Tee, please. Do you remember that I don't drink coffee? The first thing I had to do today: … Continue reading Can I Make You a Coffee?
Happy Birthday, Rithy Panh!
I'm planning a research project in Cambodia. Thus, I'm trying to get my hands on anything on Cambodia. So I recently watched Rithy Panh's documentary Les Tombeaux Sans Noms (Graves Without A Name, 2018) on the countless people who were killed and vanished (or 'were abandoned' as the murderers called it) during the horrific regime … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Rithy Panh!
A Future In Coffee? (Part II)
Last week I talked about my job interview at a coffeehouse (A Future in Coffee?). And today was the day. After these last days with the horrible boss I considered quitting if today would go well. (Not immediately, though, but maybe after the first two weeks or so.) I met a few of my (potential) … Continue reading A Future In Coffee? (Part II)
When You Begin Considering the Coffee Chain Job
I said before that I am teaching in a few institutions. And yesterday I said that I enjoy teaching. And that is still true. I prefer my university courses, for various reasons. (I'm still in love with my students.) But the working conditions at these institutions vary. Significantly. I am not solely talking about money. … Continue reading When You Begin Considering the Coffee Chain Job
A Future In Coffee?
A few weeks ago, when I panicked about health insurance, sick leave, and paid leave (what a dream!), I applied for a job as barista. With very mixed feelings. Did I do my PhD, investing so much time, money, and (mental) health, to become a barista? I started thinking. What if they want me? And, … Continue reading A Future In Coffee?
The Precariat
The Precariat. I did not know we have a term for this socioeconomic state. But apparently, we have had a name for it for quite a while—since the 1980s, according to Macmillan. A combination of ‘precarious’ and ‘proletariat,’ the precariat originally described temporary workers without a social safety net or employment protection. Since 2011, the … Continue reading The Precariat
