EAST FA's

[Sthrnboy]

Ok guys/gals on the east.

To the FA'S only;

After over 20 years or more of service why are you still working? This is a question seriously and not a joke? We have been told the stories of the senior Betty’s and others?

Seriously; Do you stay because the downturns in the economy? Is the Pension issue? Is it the high cost of health benefits? Or is the (feeling of getting stuck in a rut so to speak)

I just have always wondered why some of the talented older ladies and men would stay in a profession for over 30 or more years and not retire...

 

[bigbusboy]

After 24 yrs of flying, being a f/a has become a lifestyle and not a job anymore. I enjoy the flexible schedule with several days off at a time. There really is no take home stress, unless you choose to let the pax get to you. We work unsupervised for the most part. If you get stuck on a trip with an idiot or someone who acts like a Looney Tunes character, chances are pretty good you won't have to work with them again for a very long time. Unlike in an office setting, you're stuck with that same person 9-5 M-F. The only downside to this is not being home in your own bed every night. I look at this as a lifestyle and not a job.

 

[Fly]

Sthrn- Someone with only 20 - 25 years of service can be relatively young (early 40's). What is the use of retiring when their husband is working and the kids are still in school? As Bigbus said, it's a lifestyle.

 

[US1YFARE]

After 24 yrs of flying,

and just think, in a few years you'll be able to hold a block in PIT

 

[Us/boston]

I'm only 41 years old. A large amt of F/A on the east started at 20yo. Long way to go yet before retirement. Its a life style and the truth is not many people leave this job before retirement. We will work to improve what we can but don't expect many people to leave. Lots of talk but no action.

 

[safety stud]

Not sure why you started this thread, if not to see if we are planning to retire?

The majority of the east flight attendants where hired in the 80's and 90's. This was a time when U was expanding and hiring like a storm. When merger mania started and one persons seniority expanded, that allowed the more senior flight attendants pick better schedules, better flexibility, and such.

The ones senior to those already had that benefit. With seniority comes flexibility. To this day, this job still gives a f/a's the ability to do much. This IS the kind of job you can retire on. Management would love you to believe this is a short term job. They want turnover...

Hope that answers your question...

Just my opinion...

 

[USCREW]

It is incredible to be able to work eight days a month (40 hours) and maintain full benefits. If you have some seniority, the flexibility has never been better.

 

[US1YFARE]

It is incredible to be able to work eight days a month (40 hours) and maintain full benefits. If you have some seniority, the flexibility has never been better.

Are you working the flight or working on your sudoku or working on catching up on that issue of People that has been sitting on your nightstand?

By the way, the senior people I've seen on my flights don't look like they are too flexible. 😛h34r:

 

[CLTBWIDAYSYR]

I am in school full time finishing my degree in city planning. I'm 41 and have been here 20 years. I graduate next spring (2008) and am planning to leave US shortly thereafter. I am hopeful that I can take an early retirement (or voluntary separation) by the time I'm 43 so at least I can have flight benefits. Seeing as that there's no retirement to speak of, the very least I can do is to try and get passes to travel. Give me that option and I'm outta here!!!

 

[NAPAUS]

After 24 yrs of flying, being a f/a has become a lifestyle and not a job anymore. I enjoy the flexible schedule with several days off at a time. There really is no take home stress, unless you choose to let the pax get to you. We work unsupervised for the most part. If you get stuck on a trip with an idiot or someone who acts like a Looney Tunes character, chances are pretty good you won't have to work with them again for a very long time. Unlike in an office setting, you're stuck with that same person 9-5 M-F. The only downside to this is not being home in your own bed every night. I look at this as a lifestyle and not a job.

🙄 🙄 🙄 What a load of CRAP... LIFESTYLE...thats comical. Paycut after paycut, work rule changes, being degraded repeatedly... the list goes on and on. It's about F E A R and not being able to see what is REALLy out there. I left after 25 years, got further educated-finishing a Phd and being home at night is awesome. Yeah it wasnt easy, but it's DAMN worth it- believe me. I'm no longer staying in crappy hotels, dealing with nasty supervisors, bitter managers,and the CRAZY travelling public.

The job will NEVER , EVER be what is was- nor will the airline industry. It's a job for young people to enjoy and have fun and see the world. In retrospect i'm THRILLED US did so badly for so long- it forced me to grow up, pursue my dreams and finally break away from the dysfunction of a midmanaged, inadequate company. Im blessed by the mishaps of prior management. The current situation isnt going to get better- I hope it's a wake up call for others to leave and pursue their dreams. SCREW that LIFESTYLE crap...the real "LIFE-STYLE" is outside of US.
Go pursue your dreams - its yours for the taking - it just takes determination, guts and a need for real self-respect outside of USAir!!

 

[PITbull]

Ok guys/gals on the east.

To the FA'S only;

After over 20 years or more of service why are you still working? This is a question seriously and not a joke? We have been told the stories of the senior Betty’s and others?

Seriously; Do you stay because the downturns in the economy? Is the Pension issue? Is it the high cost of health benefits? Or is the (feeling of getting stuck in a rut so to speak)

I just have always wondered why some of the talented older ladies and men would stay in a profession for over 30 or more years and not retire...

What's your seniority??? 10 years? It's obvious you are trying to move up quick...only way to do it is to imply to the older flyers to leave.

They stay because they have achieved the experience professional skill to deal with all kinds of co-workers and pax and create harmony and balance on the plane.

You have yet a lot to learn from them...one reason they should stay.

 

[l8rd8r]

🙄 🙄 🙄 What a load of CRAP... LIFESTYLE...
Go pursue your dreams - its yours for the taking - it just takes determination, guts and a need for real self-respect outside of USAir!!

Your opinion is no better than theirs. How dare you to assume that. I to love this career and leaving is a choice I don't choose to do and I've got 30 years. Its a dream job. Are you sure you don't miss it even a little? Good luck to you. I'll think of you while I'm pondering my future in Athens.

 

[Chicken or Beef??]

🙄 🙄 🙄 What a load of CRAP... LIFESTYLE...thats comical. Paycut after paycut, work rule ...

It sounds like you made a wise decision leaving the company and it worked for you. The beauty of being adults is that we make decisions based on our own situations. Personally, I like my job. I absolutely love the flexibility. I like being able to sustain a life and enjoy my own independence while having a home and family waiting for me when my trip ends. In addition I fly as little or as much as I want, when and where I choose. I don’t live to work, I work to live a life and enjoy many activities outside of flying that I would not be able to do if I didn’t have the amount of time and the days off that my schedule provides me.
I was hired in my early twenties and I’m in my mid forties. There is no doubt in my mind that I will remain in my job for the long haul.
Truthfully, things don’t always get better but that is just anotherâ€￾ unknownâ€￾ of being in this world.

 

[SKY HIGH]

What's your seniority??? 10 years?
You have yet a lot to learn from them...one reason they should stay.

sky high states: Lack of respect permeates everyone's life today. Co-workers have somehow taken the "why dont you quit?" mantra to better themselves in seniority and trips.

Your longevity is no longer admired, it's despised.

only stating opinions.

 

[aredeeyou22]

What's your seniority??? 10 years? It's obvious you are trying to move up quick...only way to do it is to imply to the older flyers to leave.

They stay because they have achieved the experience professional skill to deal with all kinds of co-workers and pax and create harmony and balance on the plane.

You have yet a lot to learn from them...one reason they should stay.

I almost just choked on my merlot. Harmony and balance? Professional skill? Clearly, you have been gone for awhile..... :unsure: