Wake Up! Is This The Worst Part About Montana’s Labor Problem?

Montana has been dealing with a workforce shortage that has resulted in several businesses throughout the state limiting their hours of operation. The cost of living in Montana has increased to the point that many businesses are struggling to find quality skilled employees.

For the most part, I am sympathetic toward the ongoing workforce issue and try my best to be patient, even if I have to wait a little longer than I'd like to to get seated at a restaurant or get a scoop of ice cream at a local ice cream shop. I understand that many of the people that work at local businesses, especially in Bozeman, are overworked and underpaid. However, they're doing the best that they can.

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I don't normally complain about things. I generally keep to myself, and try my best to avoid getting worked up over things that I can't change. Personally, I think it's a waste of time and energy. I recently noticed something that really bothered me, and it really opened my eyes to how bad the workforce shortage in Montana has become. Let me explain.

I wake up each morning and make myself a cup of coffee before I head to work. I don't normally go to coffee shops because they're usually overpriced, and I can't justify paying for something that I'm capable of making at home myself.

Montana Businesses Fall Victim to Workforce Shortage

Yesterday, I left work and headed home to Manhattan on the interstate. I made it about halfway before my car started making a terrible noise, and before I knew it, I broke down on the side of the road. Long story short, I had to catch a ride into Bozeman from my roommate this morning, and he leaves really early. I got to work at 5:00 a.m. To make things worse, I spilled the cup of coffee that I made at home in his truck on the way to work.

After I got to work, I decided to try to find someplace to get a cup of coffee that was within walking distance. That's when I realized that there isn't a single coffee shop in the Bozeman area that opens at 6:00 a.m. Most places don't open until 7:00 a.m., and I found a few that opened at 6:30 p.m.

I was really surprised due to the fact that a lot of people rely on a good cup of coffee to start their day. I was confused. Do people in Bozeman not go to work until 7:00 a.m.? Is there any place to get a cup of coffee (besides a gas station) before that time?

Look. I need your help. If you know of any good coffee shops that open earlier than 6:30 a.m., send me an app chat on our station app and let us know about them. My coffee-loving friends and I thank you in advance.