As I sit here in business class on the new Qantas 787 Dreamliner on route to Melbourne, I realise just how lucky I am to have one of the best jobs in the world, one that I have dreamed of since I was a little girl (cliché - but so true). A dream job that most wish they had – mainly because of the perception it gives that you travel the world for free and live this ‘glamorous’ lifestyle.
When people ask me “Do you love your job?” of course, I say yes! Because beside how hard it can be on your body, what’s not to love? Is it what I expected? Yes, it is! I knew that it wasn’t all glitz and glamour, what I didn’t realise is the pressure in the annual (and initial) Emergency Procedure training, it’s blood, sweat and tears and your career rides on that time of the year - you have to take it seriously!
I have been so lucky to be in the industry for nearly four years. I started out with Jetstar operating Domestic routes, which I loved – however, I was only there for a short time, just under six months and then I was lucky enough to get International with Qantas. Which is a dream to most, including me. Within four months with the company, I moved into business class, which I absolutely loved. I love connecting with the people and the cultures, hearing stories about their holiday and their life. I have had the pleasure in looking after some celebs who I absolutely admire!
Now, if you read my blog about listening to your body, you would know that about five months ago I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia (mild - luckily). This is not news that isn’t taken lightly in any industry, especially shift work and, Aviation. It makes it very hard, especially given my main routes were Los Angeles and New York, both extreme time zones and next to no routine.
This diagnosis threw a spanner in the works and even though my managers and the company were so amazing, I still felt like I was a burden and an inconvenience on the company. I ended up back on the Asia routes and this meant that going over to the brand new 787 Dreamliner, was put on hold. I had a lot of decisions to make, I was so stressed out (not ideal in my situation, or any situation at all). This is my dream job and here I am having to decide if I should go domestic or part-time, or even stay in the industry at all.
This decision was so hard for me to make, and it's been a mix of emotions, kind of like grief (sounds so funny to say that, but it's true). I wrote a list of options and pros and cons etc., when one day, after a flight – I was having a really bad day, my anxiety was high, I was completely deflated and couldn’t leave my bed due to the pain I was in (caused by Fibromyalgia). I decided to look for some jobs, I wasn’t going to just apply for just anything. If I have to leave my dream job due to health, I wanted to make sure I was leaving it for something that I have passion for and will enjoy, I couldn’t imagine going back to a 9am-5pm Monday-Friday job, but if it’s something I know I will love, then it makes that transition a little easier.
I applied for a few different jobs, one that I REALLY wanted out of all of them and could see myself in, I got invited to an interview. I got back that morning from Hong Kong, had absolutely no sleep and looking back, I have no clue what went on in the interview due to lack of sleep, however they loved me an invited me back for a second interview! It all escalated quickly and before I knew it, my references were called and I got the official job offer!
This was such a hard decision for me to make. Leaving my dream job when I have only been in it for less than four years. It made it a little easier knowing that this new job is for another great company and I already know I’ll love it, and while it isn't shift work as such, it's not your typical 9am-5pm either!
I felt like I hadn’t completed as many years as I would have liked with flying, and I was questioning if I had achieved all I wanted to in the industry. However, I am a huge advocate for listening to your body, so I had to practice what I preach and put my health first. I had to message a good friend of mine, he is like my on-call therapist. He always tells you what you need to know and he knows how much I loved flying! He said exactly what I needed to hear, even though I already knew it - “Health is a priority. If this new job will work better with CFS, then go for it! I would say you have succeeded with being a flight attendant. You can’t really take it to higher levels. You worked business class on one of the top airline companies in the world. I think you could sleep easy knowing you have achieved that goal. Now it’s time for a change. Change is great. Nothing to be anxious about. Be excited about learning new things and meeting new people.” God love him – he is right!
I only told a few people that I was leaving – I wanted to slide under the radar, which isn't possible in Aviation, word sure gets around (haha). Until now. As you may know, when I started blogging, I wanted to be real and honest, yet still private. So, anyway - I decided to do this blog and to follow, I will blog about my health journey post flying.
I have grown so much since flying. It teaches you patience, cultural awareness, cultural diversity, empathy and so much more. It gives you so many opportunities and life lessons. Not to mention, the people you meet along the way.
You learn to deal with difficult situations without running away, because, well, there is nowhere to run to when you’re in an aluminium cylinder at 38,000 feet (haha). I have met amazing people and travelled to amazing destinations. For me, I never wanted to work my way up to a supervisor position, so I know that my friend is right when he says that I can’t take it to higher levels. I am so grateful to have met the people I have met and the fact that I can say, yes, I achieved my dream job. Now, it’s time to start another dream....
Farewell Qantas... Until next time!
Dee x
