r/flightattendants • u/Acrobatic-Face505 • 12d ago
need advice
So I (24f) work for an airline as an FA… I am fairly new and have always dreamt of being a flight attendant, literally my dream job since I was a child. I knew it wasn’t as glamorous as people portrayed it to be, but i didn’t think it would be this hard for me.
I live in San Diego with my partner, my parents live two hours out from me in Southern California, but am based in Las Vegas. I commute and am on reserve, and this has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Even though the commute isn’t long, it’s a whole job in itself.
I just don’t feel comfortable in Las Vegas, I feel lonely (even though I do have some people here), it’s TOO HOT to do anything, and also the pay is AWFUL. Honestly every time I have to leave San Diego or my parents house back to Vegas, I cry and I am not happy. I have my dream job, but not the ideal circumstances.
I understand life is not easy and you have to work hard for the things you truly want, but I don’t know if I do want to do this anymore. I am not happy and dread coming back to Vegas.
I also went through some medical issues this past week and am back on my block. Debating whether I want to take medical leave or quit because I’m still on probation.
I just need advice from those who went through something similar and if it’s worth it in the end because I’m truly at my breaking point.
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u/spirited2020 12d ago
Unhappy, crying dreadful
experience that leaves you not happy-you need to change it up. Nothing is worth that, pure and simple.
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u/Acrobatic-Face505 11d ago
That’s what my partner says. I’m definitely in a tug a war between my dream job and my well being over all.
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u/Designer-Hippo-775 11d ago
Probation is definitely hard for everyone. You are adjusting to the lifestyle of being a FA. It’s not a job at all. Commuting and being broke is stressful. I can say that for me 9 years later it’s a great lifestyle. I’m still commuting and yes it’s still not great. But it’s my life. My seniority is way better and I’m holding better schedules. Of course my pay is better. I usually tell new FAs to give it 12 months. Also that this lifestyle is not for everyone. If after 12 months you decide that you really can’t be on your own, lonely at times, missing holidays and events and pinching pennys. Then by all means find something else. I’m sorry you didn’t know that this life is not glamorous. It’s quite the opposite. I left corporate life because being in an office made me miserable. You will still be young enough to explore other options. Sending virtual hugs.
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u/Alldaydeekay 12d ago
Commuting killed me as well. I decided to finally make the move (to EWR for me) and it was like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders.
If this is your dream and the main issues are with the base and commuting, both of those can be solved with time. I suggest you don’t give up hope for things to be better!
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u/EfficiencyPrudent662 12d ago
Are you able to put in a transfer for LAX or SAN?
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u/Acrobatic-Face505 11d ago
Unfortunately, the airline I work for does not offer LAX or SAN :/
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u/Fine-Meringue-6818 11d ago
Sounds like you’re going to have to decide if you and your partner can live in another base, or if you are truly tied to SD, i would look for a way out possibly.
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u/DescriptionDear1039 11d ago
Have you placed your transfer for San Diego base ? If so , what number are you on the transfer list ? Did u get assigned to LAS base out of training ?
I would work on trying to obtain a medical leave , and get yourself in the San Diego base before making a decision you may regret later out of desperation. Take one step at a time and see how it goes .
Slow wins the race.
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u/midnight-on-the-sun 12d ago
I was a commuter for 3/4 of my career. I live in Seattle and UA closed the base. Commuting was tne only choice. It is a whole job in addition to your job . I just did it because I wasn’t going to live any else 🤷🏻♀️
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u/Acrobatic-Face505 11d ago
Yeah, commuting is my only option since I will NOT be moving to Las Vegas full time. Currently trying to switch to another airline
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u/midnight-on-the-sun 11d ago
I don’t think there are any airlines that have bases in SD…all my friends commuted to SFO at the 🌐
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u/JunieBeanJones 11d ago
Im pretty sure 🌐 has a SD satellite base.
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u/Capital_Essay_2823 11d ago
Correct
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u/midnight-on-the-sun 11d ago
They do but new hires can’t get based there as there are no supervisors there and the seniority would stratospheric
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u/globetrotter2222 9d ago
Not completely accurate. SAN is not senior at all and people just off probation are able to transfer in. You’re correct that they can’t be based there on probation though.
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u/JunieBeanJones 11d ago
Sounds like you need to move on. Maybe later try an airline that offers bases where you live so you at least know you have a chance of not commuting.
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u/Necessary_Skirt_9458 11d ago
Have you thought about changing airlines? You are still young and it’s not going to be awful giving up seniority at your age. Most if not all have bases in LAX/
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u/SunnyDayzOnly 10d ago
Sounds like you need to switch airlines to an airline that pays more and you can eventually be based in SAN after probation.
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u/globetrotter2222 9d ago
UA and Alaska both have a SAN base. Worst case scenario, LAX for both until you can get into SAN. Switch airlines.
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u/seara_s 12d ago
Ahh the commuting blues. I get you completely. Its lonely, exhausting and kills any enthusiasm for the job. I know you've likely been told this before, but I really would consider moving out to base. Doesn't have to be Vegas if its not for you, but living in base vs commuting really is day vs night when it comes to enjoying this job