Comments on: How Starbucks Saved My Life

Sunday Morning: A Riches-To-Rags Story Takes A Fortuitous Turn At A Coffee Shop

[herewego1966]

Let me get this right...He made a six figure salary, cheated on his wife, works for a company that could care less about our servicemen and women overseas and they want to make a movie out of his story. You''ve got to be kidding me, this is another movie I may watch at 2am on tbs when I cant sleep..if a re-run of The Jeffersons isnt on.

[donasara]

Your feel good story about Mr. Gill today left more things unaswered than explained. How did he feel about his 20-plus years at J. Walter Thompson? What, if anything, does he think he contributed to society then? Did he receive a pension/golden parachute from his six-figure job? If so, why was he so destitute shortly thereafter? Did he help raise and/or contribute to the child he had with his girlfriend? It seems you only told us something about the man after his Starbucks epiphany.

[hypnotoad72]

And yet he couldn''t start his own business? Why not beat Starupchucks at their own game?

And if he doesn''t feel deserving of his kindness, why not quit and give it to some kid? Or 30~40-something as these chain stores only seem to have the very young or very old working there...

Some people die before the age of 53 anyway.

I genuinely shouldn''t feel so cynical; but this is our society. Not as much the cynicism as what leads to it.

Everyone needs a job; and most know the unemployment figures themselves a product of spin (when UI benefits run out, so does your status as being "unemployed". It''s almost worse as non-existence.)

Just don''t ask the loonie-left about anything. They''d rather help illegal scum; regardless of profession.

[badger993]

Every life should be open and ready for change. When change comes, it''s usually a great gift. Thanks to CBS and Mike Gill. The video of this piece should be available on line; it would be widely shared!

[makita98]

Thanks for such a heartworming story. My best to him and his family.

[sugasuga60]

What a wonderful story and a really nice man.I am always happiest to get to read about someone who makes a difference in their life and ours as well.I look forward to reading the book also.Merry Christmas Mr Gill; you sure brightened mine!

[sammy99887]

inspirational story and man -a man with the courage to disavow the charade of living up to society''s empty pop culture and expectations - a man with the courage to finally just let go and be happy -he did himself a favor and taught his children a valuable lesson that no amount of money could ever buy - i hope he stays happy and healthy - i''ll remember you the next time I''m down Mike...thanks!

[pepina42]

Read this story and the following posts; knowing/dreading that someone was going to find something negative to throw into the pot and wondering what it could, possibly, be. But, sure ''nuff, once again mankind (womankind) jumped to confirm my expectations.

If Mr. Gill happens to read these notes, I suspect he will be very pleased with most of the submissions and ignore (or, better yet, laugh heartedly at...) the "dig."

I admire you, Sir. Go well, Stay well.

[albert_mccoy]

Thank you mike I like you am 70 years old fit and able to work. I have had over 20+ years doing sales mostly cold calling. I retired from my job as a supervisor at a steel mill,and loved the sales jobs I had. I enjoyed the customers and people I met and when you''ve retired your income is drastilly reduce. I wanted to go back to work in sales which i was good at, but have been turned down because of my age(they don''t say age), but they say we decided to go in other direction. so I say to you mike been there done that.and thanks for informing employers that we the elderly make great employees when given the chance we can be an asset to them.
by albomcy

[carolinadame]

I had the pleasure of reading Michael''s book and cheered for his "revolution of spirit". I now have a greater respect for Starbucks work ethic and their employee care. Now when I partake of one of their treats, I don''t feel bad at all. Mike, enjoy your children and the rest of your life on your terms now and not someone else''s.

[gangzhou55]

The New York Times Bookreview is too harsh on Mr. Gill''s book, which gives an honest account of his life experience that ends with a positive note at a Starbucks store which helps restore his sense of self at a desperate moment of his life. We can all relate to Mr. Gill''s experience wherever we are now in the process of our lives. It''s Christmas time, NYTimes. Be generous to your fellow human beings.

[barbaraf4]

A beautiful story. Merry Christmas, Mr. Gill.

Very timely, warm story. In a generation where the .01% wealthiest are exponentially outracing the rest of us in acquiring stuff, it is nice to see further proof that it is the satisfaction of our basic needs that makes us happy, not the neurotic pursuit of a big net worth. There is also to consider especially this season Christopher McCandless, who by going into the wild discovered how invaluable are personal relationships. And there''s Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, who found that no amount of wealth or fame could cure a deep inner ache of loneliness. For myself, approaching 71, I join with Michael Gill in desiring only the simple life, the freedom to be left alone to pursue inexpensive, but immensely rewarding personal quests.

[kittycat843]

I very good story. I have been downsized at 63 yrs of age and have been unable to get work at a salary any where near what I was making. I have been turned away from every job in the field I was in becuse of age. It is almost 2 yrs since I had a job that would help me to keep from losing everything I have. The story of age discrimination should be told on the neews or in a movie. I am sure that the gentleman who is working at Starbucks tried many other jobs in his field but was looked at as "not a fit" because of his age. Congratulations to Starbucks for being realizing that everyone has value no matter his or her age. Most"older" people want to work and would like to be able to do what they have experience and education to do and receive an appropriate salary. It is a shame that most of our country''s employers do not value the older worker! Hopefully our news reports will start to look into other stories about our new poor.

[mbfrank]

Wonderful story, it gives us all hope. I wish you much happiness MR. Gill, my friend.

[markedoc]

I thought it was a good story, albeit a little heavy on the Starbucks theme. I can relate to some of what he is saying in terms of career - many of us get to a crossroads at around 50 years old where we are no longer employed in our "career" job because of downsizing or layoffs, and are told we are over qualified for every new job we look at. Time to start the 2nd career.

[tlmarler]

Some of the comments on here are uncalled for. I know everyone has a story to tell and not all of them are going to be good ones but sometimes you should keep your thoughts to yourself. Before you make such rash judgements maybe you should purchase Michael''s book and read his entire story. It sounds like interesting reading to me not to mention uplifting towards the end. At least he tried to help himself and make his life mean something. Merry Christmas to Michael and everyone else here.

[rachel1237]

I was touch by this story, because it%u2019s very hard to be reach and became poor. I hope this book and CBS show will change your life and you will return to your mistress and help her to raise your child and it would be happy end.

[rachel1237]

I was touch by this story, because it%u2019s very hard to be reach and became poor. I hope this book and CBS show will change your life and you will return to your mistress and help her to raise your child and it would be happy end.

[markedoc]

I thought it was a good story, albeit a little heavy on the Starbucks theme. I can relate to some of what he is saying in terms of career - many of us get to a crossroads at around 50 years old where we are no longer employed in our "career" job because of downsizing or layoffs, and are told we are over qualified for every new job we look at. Time to start the 2nd career.