I’ve been working as a barista for almost two years while trying to get back into the tech industry, and at first, I felt embarrassed about it. Transitioning from a role in infrastructure to making coffee felt like a step down, and I was hesitant to bring it up in interviews. However, I’ve recently started to embrace this experience during my interviews, and the feedback has been surprisingly positive. I’ve found that discussing my ability to manage a busy coffee shop, triage orders, and stay calm under pressure—especially when the espresso machine malfunctions during a rush—has resonated with interviewers. It’s not a direct correlation to tech skills, but it showcases my problem-solving abilities and adaptability in high-stress situations. This experience has also helped me talk about handling pressure without sounding rehearsed or defensive, which can happen after going through two layoffs. The barista role provided me with a recent, tangible experience to draw from that feels authentic and relatable. I’m curious if others have had similar experiences with bridge jobs that unexpectedly helped them in interviews, not financially, but in how they presented their skills and experiences.