The 'Starbucks Barista Crying' meme originates from a viral TikTok video where an employee breaks down while describing the exhaustion of an eight-hour shift and the pressure of dealing with complex, custom drink orders. It quickly became a lightning rod for debate regarding service industry labor conditions and the 'anti-work' sentiment online. The template is widely used to humorously highlight the stress of retail jobs, particularly the frustration of making 'secret menu' items or handling difficult customers. Beyond coffee, it serves as a universal symbol for being mentally and physically drained by the demands of modern employment.