#nowplaying Ed Sheeran - Photograph
Here I am, sitting on the edge of my hotel bed in my comfortable pjs, slurping a hot cup of Cheese Curry instant noodles from Okinawa. Its raining out there so this hot comfort food can never go wrong.
Google Maps on my laptop is showing too many cafes that I am at a lost for choice. When I look out of my window, I am greeted with the beautiful pool view and seeing how other tourists spend their rainy afternoon by the poolside.
Me? I choose to stay indoors.
Being in Silkair only gives me the opportunity of having a layover once every few months, but I guess all the more we treasure this experience.
I used to always think of the life of a cabin crew as glamorous, being able to travel and enjoy while working; who doesn't love such a wonderful job?
But after joining, oh man, its such a disaster. The only "glam" time we look is when we walk across the airport departure lounge to our gates. And even so, 80% of us probably didn't even have a good night's sleep or feeling sadness deep inside for being unable to accompany our dearest ones on a special day.
So we drag our feet to work just so we can give others a pleasant journey to wherever their destination is (oh no I'm just kidding, we just gotta do it cos its our job haha). But still, know that we do give our best each and every time we put on the uniform.
I do take pride in it, in my job. But I can't say the same for everyone. Just know that while each of you passengers have problems like insomnia or gastric or even piles, we too are humans and we may (or may not) have the same problems as you too.
When you are rushing for a connecting flight just so you can be home safely to reunite with your family for the new year, and blaming the crew for the unexpected delay (which 90% of the time is not because of us), take a moment to stop and think.
We are cabin crew, but we have our families too. Think of how you'd like others to treat you or even your future kids.
A little courtesy can go a
Even without the courtesy, a little basic manners like "thank you" or "please" works wonders too. People tend to forget that although you are paying it doesn't mean you are always right. Seeing how some kids getting all rowdy and rude onboard makes me feel sad that these are actually the people who will grow up and be the pillars of the country.
We should all take a step back once in a while. It makes you realize that life is pretty amazing.
I wondered if a year ago I didn't choose this path (or rather, this path did not choose me), what would have become of me?
I'd probably be still trying to get into S airlines, for the sake of the glam, the money, the "wow" people give you when you say you are from S airlines (stereotypes). Maybe I'd be chosen; maybe not. But either way, my life would have been much different from now.
Every layover could end up with me being alone in my hotel room, slurping on instant cup noodles. People have joined S airlines and told me that although they gained more, they lost more. They earned money, maybe much more than what their peers are getting. They get to see the world, without paying a single cent (except for meal expenses). They get to be in Seoul one day and in Maldives the next.
But they lost time. They lost friendships. Traveling to and fro on a daily basis can be very taxing even if you are flying as a passenger, what more as a crew? Being not in home base more than 60% of the time, its hard to attend your friends' gathering, be there for their 21st or their graduation, or even missing out on your bff's big day.
I count my blessings and thank god for putting me on this path. For letting me learn to be contented and giving me a chance that not everybody could earn (and giving me a chance when people doubted me). I thank him for letting me meet the love of my life, my soul mate, who taught me that no amount of money can buy you someone who loves you truly and deeply.
No amount of money or gifts can make up for the time we lost. Being able to go home everyday and seeing him everyday before and after work is my daily joy.
Life is unpredictable; so do what you love, and cherish your loved ones.
#preach #hahahaha
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