The Journey to Inflight Manager
Good afternoon, everyone. I’m sorry I’ve been a bit rubbish with my blogs recently; I have been so busy. I’m happy to tell you that I have finally become an Inflight manager with BA… I’ve just taken my first flight as IFM; however, it’s short-haul, so it was the same as my position before; the tester will be a long haul, but I actually feel excited about the prospect and have good nerves. I always give you a little backdrop of where I am, so I’m currently in Hanover, Germany, about to see the Christmas markets, and it’s absolutely freezing (I must have moaned about 100 times out loud) - it’s snowing! It does feel Christmasy, but give me sun any day!
So, I’m going to talk about the journey of getting to IFM; it has taken a while, if I’m honest. I’ve been cabin crew for 8 and a half years, and I thought I was ready a couple of years ago. I’m not ashamed to admit that I went for it a couple of years ago, and I got to the final stages and didn’t get it. It was on a video call in COVID-19 times, and we could see the questions in advance. I asked my friend at the time, who had been a cabin manager in the Middle East, and I basically tried to incorporate her way of thinking, but I didn’t get it. (I remember I cried a whole day in bed… and that’s ok). This almost put me off going for it again, and rejection is honestly one the hardest things for me to take… however, do you know what I realised from this? Is that you have to be in it to win it (that’s my saying always when staff travel loads are overbooked, yet I’m still optimistic that I’m getting on). It’s also that BA is not looking for what other airlines are doing; BA is looking for your true self, and I should never have doubted myself. I was entirely myself this time and got the job; your confidence shines differently. (My maturity has also increased from the trauma of this year (I have to find some positives). My advice is to have confidence in yourself (nobody else will) and be authentic to you… nobody needs to be perfect, but be honest and use all your experience.
In Etihad, I only worked in economy for nearly 4 years. I found it so frustrating how long it took to get into business. Still, I wouldn’t have gone for BA as I was generally happy in the Middle East (we won’t discuss a toxic ex). Still, I thought that if I went for the cabin senior position and got it, I would see this as my sign to move forward. I guess timing in life is everything, and you have to trust the process. I have lost faith in that sometimes, but you must get back on the right path. Don’t let setbacks stop you from trying again; it only makes it even sweeter when you get it. It shows true strength of character and resilience, and you appreciate it that bit more. When you want something badly enough, you will eventually get it. (Needs to be somewhat realistic)
I feel more than ready to take on my new role, and I admit I don’t know everything. Still, I have faith in myself, trust my gut, and have no hesitations about making the big decisions. I’ve been flying for nearly 9 years and think I’m pretty good at my job. I’ve definitely got the chicken or beef down to a strong T. My aim is to be approachable, supportive, inspire and make people have a good and safe day… if I can do that, then my goal is complete.
Where do I go from here? I constantly want to grow, and this will be an exciting new challenge. Still, in the future, I’d maybe like to become a trainer or a manager on the ground who looks after us all. I never want to not work even though I could be a cricket WAG. I like having my own life, goals and independence (don’t worry, Simon).
So cheers to whatever your goals are, and go smash them even if it’s not on your first try. You will learn something each time, I promise.
xBx
P.S. or second or third, etc. You’ve got this!