Why I quit my job as a flight attendant ✈️
It has always been my dream to don the iconic Singapore Airlines kebaya and travel the world and at 23 years old, my dream came true.
I joined the company knowing that I’m not here to stay. My plan was to quit after I completed my bond (4 months of training & 18 months of flying) then settle down with a regular job. However in a blink of an eye, 5 years passed and I only *finally* quit after completing my contract (and also thanks to covid).
Flying was fun and exciting at the beginning. Making new friends, exploring cities I never would have been to and getting paid a decent salary, higher than what my peers were earning at the same age. Getting to stay in 5 star hotels, eating and shopping around the world and creating memories. Life was good.
However, there were cons as well and these reasons made me quit.
❌ Missing out on important occasions
In a month, I would have around 10 days or less in SG. Changing flights is not easy so that means I’d miss important occasions like birthdays, weddings, CNY, Christmas etc. It feels sad to be alone in a foreign country when your loved ones are celebrating in SG.
❌ Takes a toll on your body
Screwed up body clock, jet lags, early morning/late night call times and experiencing changing seasons makes us fall sick easily. Sometimes I can go up to 24 hours without sleep 😵
❌ Not sustainable if I want to start a family
I wanted to start a family and be a parent who’s present with my loved ones and be there to witness my child’s milestones. Being a flying mom would mean that I’d have lesser time with my child and miss out a lot on their growing years.
❌ Not much career progression
It’s not easy to climb up the ranks and when you do, the job still stays the same with the add on of writing reports and managing people.
Having said all that, I thoroughly enjoyed my 5 years of flying. I had no regrets & would definitely choose to do it again in another life. I had the best years of my 20s exploring the world with this job and now, it’s time for me to stay on ground. ❤️✈️
#MyLemon8Diary #cabincrew #singaporeairlines #flightattendant #sq
If you're considering a career as a flight attendant with Singapore Airlines or any airline, understanding the real day-to-day demands is crucial. While the glamour of international travel, 5-star hotels, and exploring new cities is undeniable, many flight attendants face challenges that aren’t always visible from the outside. One aspect that stood out to me was the intense schedule and how it impacted my health. Jet lag and erratic sleep patterns can make it tough to maintain consistent energy levels. I often had to work during early mornings or late nights, which disrupted my body clock and led to frequent sickness. It’s important to prepare mentally and physically for these demands before committing. Another factor that influenced my decision to quit was the limited career progression. The role tends to stay the same despite years of experience, with increased administrative tasks rather than new responsibilities or growth opportunities. For people who seek continuous advancement, this can be discouraging. Family considerations also played a huge role. Being away for long periods means missing out on important life events and milestones, both for yourself and your loved ones. If starting a family is a priority, this career path may not align well with those goals. Despite these challenges, the experience is invaluable. The friendships formed, cultures experienced, and memories created are things I will cherish forever. For those considering applying to Singapore Airlines, it's a career filled with highs and lows – weighing the perks against the sacrifices is key to making the right decision for your life and future.
What job you do now and did it take long to transition from Flying to being on the ground