person using espresso machine in cafe
Leah Berenson
Leah Berenson
February 17, 2024 Â·  3 min read

College Grad Sparks Debate After Complaining that His Hard Work to Earn a Biology Degree Resulted in Job at Starbucks

It’s no secret that we are facing uncertain times. While that has always been true to some degree, we are suddenly seeing crises on a much larger, global, scale. Inflation has skyrocketed, resources are not as readily available, and wait times have increased significantly due to a shortage of staff and supplies. Many industries are short on workers and employees. The service industry took a huge hit and it’s creating a dilemma for many college grads. 

Sparking Debate. 

People everywhere are trying to adjust to life and are struggling to find its impact goes beyond just the healthcare system. 

A TikTok user posted a video that has heavily caused debate. In the video, he shows himself at work, at Starbucks. He shares that he graduated from college with a degree in biology but is now wondering for what. Currently, his job is to make and serve coffee drinks which is a far cry from his desire to pursue Biology.

Image Credit: @shinobijames | TikTok

As a college graduate, he is, rightfully so, feeling some frustration that all his hard work and accomplishments were for nothing. Many TikTok users had mixed responses, with some offering advice while others were supportive and understanding of the tribulations faced by college grads everywhere. He is certainly not the only person, college grad or not, having a hard time finding a job that meets their qualifications.

People are overqualified and looking for a job that will pay enough to keep up with the market’s current inflation. 

Read: â€˜I Have A Bachelor’s Degree And Still Work 4 Jobs To Make Ends Meet’

@shinobijames That actor life is crazy my boy 😂😂😂 #fyp #GenshinTeleport ♬ original sound – Music table

Economic and Industry Impacts. 

 Covid-19 caused severe worldwide health and safety concerns but also had an impact on a number of other aspects. Unsurprisingly, the economy was one of those aspects. Many places have since shut down due to a lack of income while other companies are trying to figure out how to adapt. Working from home used to be a coveted job privilege but during the pandemic many people were given the option, even required, to work from home.

They decided they were happier and that their job pursuits would have to allow for that. This meant a shortage of people willing to physically be in the office or at work. Unfortunately, physical presence is one of the most important aspects of the service and food industries. Due to this lack of availability, employers are having a hard time finding and keeping employees.

Because of the current labor market, many jobs are available and, theoretically, now is the time to go out and find employment! It is estimated that there are almost two jobs available to every person currently looking for employment. So what is the downside? Not so widely discussed is the fact that many of these available jobs are in the food, service, or retail industry.

For a college grad who worked hard to get ahead, this is a harsh reality. According to Zippia, statistics show that 21% of all people working in the food service industry have a bachelor’s degree.  While these jobs are necessary and important, most grad students attend college in the hopes of being able to find a job that is more suited to their passions and career goals. The promise of the desired job, high wages, and opportunities for growth are the driving forces that often inspire one to go to college.

If food industry jobs are the majority, or only, jobs available, future generations may begin to wonder if becoming a college grad is the right move for them. 

Keep Reading: Company hiring high school grads for up to $47/hour – no college degree needed

Sources

  1. “‘All that work I did for a biology degree to work at Starbucks’: Barista complains about working at Starbucks while having college degree, sparking debate.” Daily Dot. Jack Alban. September 21, 2022.
  2. ‘All that work I did for a biology degree to work at Starbucks’: Barista complains about working at Starbucks while having college degree, sparking debate.TODBY. Retrieved October 3, 2022.  
  3. FOOD SERVICE WORKER DEMOGRAPHICS AND STATISTICS IN THE US.” Zippia. Retrieved October 3, 2022.