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This text initially appeared on Business Insider.
This as-told-to essay relies on a transcribed dialog with Arta Uma Upmale, a 26-year-old social-media supervisor and part-time flight attendant at airBaltic, Latvia’s flagship provider airline. The next has been edited for size and readability.
I began at airBaltic in 2021 as a social-media supervisor. I beloved my job, after which it received even higher — I had the prospect to grow to be a part-time flight attendant.
After pandemic restrictions lifted and air journey received again to regular, airBaltic wanted additional plane employees, so it launched its “Office in the Sky” program. It permits the corporate’s workplace employees to bear cabin-crew coaching and take flying shifts just a few occasions a month round their full-time jobs.
I used to be a little bit of an anxious flyer, however I utilized. I noticed it as an opportunity to make additional revenue — supplied and supported by my employer. I used to be inquisitive about what the cabin-crew job was like. I additionally wished to expertise the coaching, which I assumed can be enjoyable.
I used to be chosen for additional coaching after passing well being checks and psychological checks.
I had no concept how intensive cabin-crew coaching was
Whether or not you are a full-time or part-time cabin crew member, there are not any shortcuts. We have been taught the ins and outs of the plane and learn how to deal with all conditions and eventualities that may occur on board — from sad passengers to first help and emergency landings.
We needed to learn lots of of pages of coaching supplies and manuals. There have been dozens of checks and sensible workouts. As soon as, we needed to role-play a passenger rescue mission after an emergency water touchdown. We have been dumped right into a pool with life vests on whereas synthetic waves tossed us round and helicopter sounds performed within the background.
I spent three evenings per week and each second Saturday within the coaching middle for 4 months. It was exhausting however fascinating. AirBaltic additionally paid me a stipend on prime of my wage your entire time, which was additional motivation to hold on.
When the coaching concluded, I needed to take a number of coaching flights and cross a line test. That is when a cabin-crew teacher observes the trainee’s work throughout a flight earlier than they’ll begin flying duties.
I began coaching in October 2022 and did my first shift in April 2023.
Now, I principally fly two occasions a month and as much as 4 occasions a month throughout peak season. I am not anxious when flying — I understand how the plane works, so each little sound, beep, or squeak makes excellent sense to me.
I get pleasure from being a part of the cabin crew, however my precedence is my workplace job
Balancing flying with my workplace work includes strategic scheduling. I take early morning, night, and weekend shifts to make sure I do not miss any commitments for my full-time job.
For instance, a fast 6 a.m. flight from Riga to Helsinki and again means I am finished by 10 a.m. and could be again within the workplace for my working day.
On weekends, I want longer flights. My favourite is Lisbon, which is a 4 ½ hour flight from Riga. I get pleasure from sharing journey suggestions with passengers and noting concepts for my future journeys.
Longer flights equal greater earnings, too. Flying shifts are paid by the hour. As an current airBaltic worker, I obtain extra time pay.
If I’ve free time on flights, I work on my each day duties as a social-media supervisor. I speak to colleagues and passengers for content material inspiration, take photographs and movies, and draft posts. On lengthy flights, I often have extra time for it.
A component-time cabin-crew job fits me completely
For the reason that coaching was finished, this facet gig hasn’t taken up a lot of my free time. It is fairly predictable — so long as it would not intrude with my workplace duties, I do know I will have not less than two shifts a month. This function can be match for me; I am a folks individual and like caring for passengers.
On the flip facet, being a flight attendant isn’t for you in case you don’t love working with folks. This job requires robust communication expertise and empathy. And it’s a must to be prepared for endless coaching, checks, and line checks to satisfy the trade’s security necessities. Some might discover this burdensome.
In my case, this job additionally requires me to be extremely versatile if I need additional shifts. I could get a name in the course of the day to cowl one that very same night, with little time to consider it.
Combining flight attending with one other job is extra life like than I assumed
The “Workplace within the Sky” program could also be distinctive to airBaltic, however the flexibility of being cabin crew is common. I’ve colleagues who work as cabin crew full time and mix their work with being architects, physiotherapists, and private trainers.
A cabin-crew job could be as versatile or fastened as you want, relying on the kind of roster you select. For those who like touring whereas pursuing one other occupation, turning into a part of a cabin crew is one method to do it.
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