SIX EXITS

Part of the mission of this blog (I have a mission! Wheeee!!!) is informing people about my career as a flight attendant. Whether they're thinking about becoming one or just like reading the plights of us super-stews I'm hoping everyone leaves with a little bit more knowledge. Which is why I've decided to give you a monthly review, sort of like how I review my individual trips. This will give you an idea of how much I work vs. how much I play (and crochet).

• Days I was scheduled to be on reserve: 16
• Days of reserve I picked up for extra $: 4
• Regular trips I picked up for extra $: 1 (picked up a 3 hour turn for $100 from another flight attendant who was desperate to get rid of it.)
• Days of airport standby (a.p.s.b.) I sat: 5
• Hours of airport standby I sat/watched tv/crocheted/read: 23
• Total hours I was attached to my cell phone "waiting" for a call: 240
• Actual days of reserve I worked (not including airport standby): 8
• Total nights spent away from my snoring, sweet husband: 5
• Places I spent the night in the month of October: Columbus, Salt Lake City, Vegas, Tampa and New York.
• Total days I worked in the month of October including a.p.s.b.: 13
• Total days I was paid for in the month of October: 19

Alright folks, lets sum this up. Ashlie was paid for working 19 days last month but she actually only worked 13 of them. But she was paid for 19. Which is nice to be paid for not working and all. And she only had to spend 5 actual nights away from my home. Not too shabby, eh?

Now before all of you apply, I've got to be honest and say that it's not always this easy. There have been some occasions I've been away from my home for 6 nights in a row. Granted, its usually due to my greed. There's been a few moments of "Squeee! Someone put $200 cash on this 3 day trip! I must pick it up right away!" only to look at my screen and realize that I'll be working 2 weeks straight. Most of that is due to my stupidity. But sometimes it can be hard *shudders* work with long days, short nights, bad food and even worse company. I think you all have read in past posts. But really? My job rocks.

Quote of the Day: “Anyone who works is a fool. I don't work - I merely inflict myself upon the public.” - Robert Morley.

After all that complaining I did yesterday I should just hang my head in shame. Did I mention that the thing about my job that I love the most is the flexibility? Let me count the ways dear readers:

1. We can work when we want and where we want.

Every month we bid for our lines. The longer you've been here the better chance you have of getting your first choice. At my base there's about 900 lines. That means that there are 900 combinations of 1,2,3 and 4 day trips I can choose from. Some people pick lines for their days off others choose for their overnights (Florida in December anyone?) and some, like me, just cross their fingers and hope they don't get reserve.

2. There are no minimums or maximums.

I can work as much or as little as I want. Here are two extreme examples. I flew with one lady who had worked 7 days the last year. SEVEN DAYS IN ONE YEAR. And? She was still retaining her vacation pay (5 weeks!) and flight and medical bennies. Hopefully when I no longer fear babies to the depths of my soul I will take advantage of this for raising them. So the other extreme is a guy who worked his little booty off one month and made.....$25,000. In one month. Granted, he was at the top of the pay scale, worked through his vacation and was really, really smart with picking up trips. But still? $25,000 as a lowly flight attendant in one month?! Rock on!

3. We have a computer program that allows you to put your trip in something called "trip trade/giveaway" where people can pick up extra trips or trade (duh) with you.

While I was complaining about working 5 days straight some lovely soul picked up my trip. This has happened twice this month with no money on either trip! I felt so charitable by these kind acts that I picked up a day of reserve tomorrow for someone. What goes around comes around!


Anyway. Here are a few pictures of my visit with Julie. See how resplendent she is in her pregnant state?

Have a great weekend folks! I know I will.

Yes. I'm calling myself a dog. We'll save that issue for another day....