This text initially appeared on Enterprise 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 service 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 acquired even higher — I had the possibility to grow to be a part-time flight attendant.
After pandemic restrictions lifted and air journey acquired again to regular, airBaltic wanted further 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 a couple of 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 further earnings — offered and supported by my employer. I used to be interested by what the cabin-crew job was like. I additionally wished 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 had 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 assist and emergency landings.
We needed to learn tons of 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 had 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 fascinating. AirBaltic additionally paid me a stipend on high of my wage the complete time, which was further 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 now not anxious when flying — I understand how the plane works, so each little sound, beep, or squeak makes good sense to me.
I take pleasure in 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 achieved by 10 a.m. and could 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 take pleasure in sharing journey ideas with passengers and noting concepts for my future journeys.
Longer flights equal larger earnings, too. Flying shifts are paid by the hour. As an current airBaltic worker, I obtain time beyond regulation pay.
If I’ve free time on flights, I work on my day by day duties as a social-media supervisor. I discuss to colleagues and passengers for content material inspiration, take images 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 achieved, this facet gig hasn’t taken up a lot of my free time. It is fairly predictable — so long as it does not intervene with my workplace duties, I do know I am going to have no less than two shifts a month. This function can also be a very good match for me; I am a individuals particular person and like taking good care of passengers.
On the flip facet, being a flight attendant is just not for you should you do not like working with individuals. This job requires robust communication abilities and empathy. And it’s important to be prepared for unending coaching, checks, and line checks to fulfill the business’s security necessities. Some could discover this burdensome.
In my case, this job additionally requires me to be extremely versatile if I would like further shifts. I could get a name throughout the day to cowl one that very same night, with little time to consider it.
Combining flight attending with one other job is extra practical 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 could be as versatile or fastened as you want, relying on the kind of roster you select. Should you like touring whereas pursuing one other career, changing into a part of a cabin crew is one strategy to do it.