This text initially appeared on Enterprise Insider.
This as-told-to essay is predicated 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 obtained even higher — I had the possibility to turn into a part-time flight attendant.
After pandemic restrictions lifted and air journey obtained again to regular, airBaltic wanted additional plane employees, so it launched its “Workplace within the Sky” program. It permits the corporate’s workplace staff 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 earnings — supplied and supported by my employer. I used to be inquisitive about what the cabin-crew job was like. I additionally needed to expertise the coaching, which I believed can be enjoyable.
I used to be chosen for additional coaching after passing well being checks and psychological checks.
I had no thought 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 support and emergency landings.
We needed to learn a whole lot of pages of coaching supplies and manuals. There have been dozens of checks and sensible workout routines. 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 heart for 4 months. It was exhausting however attention-grabbing. 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 go 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 good 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 executed by 10 a.m. and will be again within the workplace for my working day.
On weekends, I favor longer flights. My favourite is Lisbon, which is a 4 ½ hour flight from Riga. I get pleasure from sharing journey ideas with passengers and noting concepts for my future journeys.
Longer flights equal increased earnings, too. Flying shifts are paid by the hour. As an present 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 pictures and movies, and draft posts. On lengthy flights, I normally have extra time for it.
An element-time cabin-crew job fits me completely
For the reason that coaching was executed, this aspect 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 no less than two shifts a month. This position can be a very good match for me; I am a folks individual and like caring for passengers.
On the flip aspect, being a flight attendant is just not for you in case you do not like working with folks. This job requires sturdy communication abilities and empathy. And you must be prepared for endless coaching, checks, and line checks to fulfill the trade’s security necessities. Some might discover this burdensome.
In my case, this job additionally requires me to be extremely versatile if I would like additional shifts. I’ll 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 real looking than I believed
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 will be as versatile or fastened as you want, relying on the kind of roster you select. If you happen to like touring whereas pursuing one other career, turning into a part of a cabin crew is one approach to do it.
