Colby -
There's no magic answer, but I look for people who realize it's not a job, it's a lifestyle. I'm in the same boat as you. I'm still here because I like being around airplanes, and airplane people. However, there are an awful lot of people who feel entitled in this industry. Some of them have even posted here. True, a new hire could decide to leave. But I hope that when I hire, I hire someone who wants to be in this industry, not just someone who wants a job. The one who wants the job will leave for something better, no doubt. In my own example, I know that I could make more money in my position if I was outside the airline industry. But I like being around airplanes and airline people, so here I am.
I don't just owe someone a job because they've been a FA. If I think that the cost to train them won't be recouped (for any reason), then I'm not going to hire. In all honesty, it can be hard to fill positions these days.
I can tell that you enjoy the lifestyle, Colby. That's why you are clinging to a hope that you'll be called back. I understand that resigning before being hired by someone else means that you probably have to give up pass privileges. But I have a responsibility to use training dollars wisely, not just give people jobs. As I said, I've been burned, and my goal is to make sure that doesn't happen, regardless of where the employee comes from previously. I've lost some darn good FA's, because they can go back and hold a line.