How Starbucks Saved My Life

I have just finished racing through How Starbucks Saved My Life by Michael Gates Gill. It's the story of a high-flying ad exec who was let go and spiralled down the next ten years to basically being one rent payment from homelessness.

Sitting in a Starbucks, he was offered a job and surprising himself, he took it. It transformed him, as the title implies - saving his life. I can certainly relate to Mike's experience, what he calls be shoved off the escalator and then making it worse himself. He was a workaholic who gave too much of his life for his company and was summarily rejected. He would never scale the corporate heights again, and now has no interest whatsoever in doing so.

What is most interesting is the self-analysis of work, pay, class, race and professional prestige in his life. He learned that serving others, even in what is considered a menial job, is a path to great dignity. He continues to work at Starbucks to this day as the best job he ever had.

Would I do that? I have to say I am not quite that desperate yet, although it is very lonely when the phone never rings for job interview requests...

I appreciate the book as what is best about American society, the opportunity to try again and at least have a genuine chance to start over through hard work.

I was very moved by this book, likely because I can identify with his situation, emotions and anxiety. I also hope it will help me on my journey as well.