Furlough

I’m not “just” a flight attendant. I’m also a teacher. I have a k-8 multiple-subject credential. Although why I chose little kids, I don’t know because they are a handful! (and good thing, adorable) With elementary-age students, you have got to stay on your toes. Always one step ahead. Someone once compared being a flight attendant to being an athlete. Both have performance days and recovery days. Well, I would argue that teachers, likewise, have performance days. The difference is, there are no recovery days. Teaching never leaves you. You take that job home and it wakes you up in the middle of the night. The awesome responsibility and challenge of it is draining. But, of course, it is also very rewarding and creative. 

Believe me… teaching is a trip. But it’s a trip without a layover.

There are quite a few similarities between teaching and flying. Both jobs require an abundance of patience, resourcefulness, people skills, leadership skills, crowd control, diplomacy, and a sense of humor! In fact, I have recently felt a lot like a second grade teacher on the airplane… reminding the same passengers again and again to properly wear their masks, scolding them when they don’t, even diffusing fights. Passengers are constantly telling on each other. I’ve also had a lot of issues over personal space, having to separate people because “he’s touching me.” Yes, I think most flight attendants would make excellent teachers, (and vice versa)

I became a teacher after 9-11. I had a new baby and I was scared to fly. And like so many other people, the horrific events of that day made me re-evaluate my life. I decided I wanted to do something worthwhile, something that made a difference. I love being a flight attendant, but it’s a selfish job. Yes, we’re there for your safety, but it’s not everyday we save a life. So I took a six year furlough, taught second and third grade, and stayed home with my babies.   

This past year, thousands of my flying partners have been furloughed. My furlough was voluntary, many of theirs are not. Another big difference -there are no jobs. Every industry has been hit hard by this pandemic, not just the airlines. I’ve seen a lot over my 28 year career. I’ve worked for two airlines, been through acquisitions, mergers, bankruptcy, and furloughs. Believe me, I know the value of my job and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost one.