If you’ve ever thought about getting into the airline industry then you’ve probably already imagined all the exciting bits first and that’s normal because everyone does that. You see the travel and the different places and the idea of doing something a bit different to the usual nine to five. Then you start looking into it properly and realise there’s a lot going on that you don’t really see from the outside. Some people get into it and love it, and some people get two weeks in and wonder why they ever thought it was a good idea. It really depends on the kind of person you are and what you’re actually hoping to get out of it. Let’s see if it’s the type of job that’ll suit you.
Training
Nothing in this industry works without training. You can’t just walk in and hope for the best because there’s too much going on and too many things that need doing the right way. Cabin crew still need training even if they’ve done it before and the same goes for ground staff. A lot of airlines use Spatial because it gets people into real situations so they’re not clueless when something actually happens. Some people enjoy that style of learning and some people don’t, but either way you’re doing it because you have to.
The Work
People see the nice bits but not the rest. You’re dealing with delays, tired passengers, long days, short turnarounds and things that go wrong for no reason at all. Some shifts feel like ten minutes and some feel like ten hours and you don’t really get to pick which one you get. It’s busy and sometimes chaotic, but some people enjoy that and feel like the day goes quicker because they’re always doing something. If you want calm predictable days then this probably won’t be it.
Pay
The pay depends completely on what you do. Some roles pay alright, others not so much, and a lot of people stay because the perks make up for it. Cheaper flights, time off that actually works for them, that kind of thing. You just need to decide if that trade off is worth it for you. Some people want the lifestyle more than the money. Others don’t. It’s personal and you won’t know until you actually look at the role you want.
People
Everything in this industry involves people. You’re talking to passengers, staff, airport workers, everyone. Some people will be lovely and some people won’t and that’s just how it is. You can’t take things personally. If you’re patient and you can keep your temper even when someone else isn’t doing the same, you’ll be fine. If people drain you then this is going to feel like a lot because you never really get a quiet moment to yourself.
Final thoughts
So is it worth getting into the airline industry? It can be if you like days that move fast and you don’t mind things being a bit unpredictable. Some people love it and wouldn’t leave it for anything and others realise it’s not what they expected at all. It’s one of those things you won’t fully understand until you’re in it. If you want something steady and calm then probably not. If you like something a bit more lively then it might be worth a try.
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