Career insights on being a flight attendant?

I'm considering becoming a flight attendant after high school since I love traveling. Could anyone provide some insight into the job duties and overall lifestyle? What are the pros and cons I should be aware of?

Sure, it's great to see you considering different professional paths! Let's dive into what being a flight attendant entails.

As a flight attendant, your primary duty is to ensure that the passengers have a safe and comfortable flight. This involves a variety of tasks starting from welcoming passengers aboard the aircraft, assisting them with finding their seats, handling their carry-on items, and demonstrating safety procedures, to serving meals and drinks, ensuring a smooth setting for their entertainment, and most importantly, administering first aid or leading emergency evacuations if required.

The lifestyle can be quite exciting especially if you love traveling and meeting new people. You'll have the opportunity to see many parts of the world on layovers, sometimes staying in cities for a few days at a time.

However, this role does come with some challenges. Here are some pros and cons for you to consider:

Pros:

1. Opportunity to travel: If you have an adventurous spirit, being a flight attendant can be a dream come true. You can see numerous countries and cities all around the world.

2. Flexible shifts: Once you've gained seniority, you might have more control over your schedule. This can allow you to plan your life around the days you want to work and the days you want to rest.

3. Perks: Depending on the airline, you might have free or discounted travel for you and your immediate family.

Cons:

1. Rigorous training: Initial training for flight attendants can be physically and mentally challenging, covering ground like safety procedures, customer service, and sometimes even swimming.

2. Working holidays, nights, and weekends: Since airlines operate 24/7, 365 days a year, you'll likely have to work irregular hours, especially when you're starting out.

3. Jet Lag: Constant time zone changes can affect your sleep schedule and overall health if not properly managed.

Lastly, it's also important to understand that different airlines may have varying requirements for their flight attendants. While some airlines might hire high school graduates, others might require a few years of hospitality or customer service experience or even a degree in hospitality or tourism management. Researching the requirements of the airlines you're interested in will help align your expectations and prepare accordingly.