High school graduation was drawing near when I realized I want to be a flight attendant. During the enrolment day at the university, I was still not sure which major to take; Tourism Management or Mass Communication. But I have this great passion for public speaking, so I eventually opted for Mass Communication. Also, I considered the fact that many FAs nowadays are not even tourism graduate. That was the first simple decision-making I had that is connected to my dream of becoming a FA.
On my previous blog, I mentioned that I totally enjoyed my post-graduation job in Saudi Arabia, as an admission officer and as a part-time host. In 2013, my interest in flying harked back. I thought of leaving my job and go to Philippines. I was hoping that an airline would organize a recruitment and selection process for new cabin crew thru IPAMS by the time I am already in there. Due to the burning desire, I still submitted my resignation letter in October 2013 and went to the Philippines in December, even though I was uncertain about the consequence. Yes, I know it was a risky and pricey decision. But all for my dream, I would. I managed to establish my parents' small business while waiting for IPAMS announcement. I had to visit their Facebook page every single day.
The next month, January 2014, mom told me she has myoma/fibroids. The bleeding was terrible as she was also in her menopausal stage. She needed assistance 24/7. My father works. My big sister does too and takes care of her 2 kids. My little sister goes to school. I did not think twice. I booked a flight straight off. A very sad thing happened. I arrived at Saudi Arabia on the 24th of January. On February 1, IPAMS announced a recruitment would take place on February 14 for Saudi Arabian Airlines new FAs. It was heartbreaking! My purpose of going to the Philippines was to attend a recruitment. I spent my whole savings for this. If it was just posted earlier, I could have stayed for a few days so as to go to the said event. I got depressed! However, I realized that perhaps it was not meant for me and mom needed me.
After that heartbreak, I did not stop chasing my dream. There were times I felt like it's impossible or maybe it's not really for me. But I kept pushing ahead with it.
While I was waiting for the opportunity from an airline, I worked at another educational agency. I began working in August 2014. The next month, I blessedly got an offer from an IT company for Quality Assurance position. They would double the salary I was earning at that time. However, it's a 2-year contract. It meant I have to stay with the company for 2 years and cannot resign any time I want to. It was another tough decision-making for me. Who would turn down such position with big salary? But what if after signing the contract, a door to my dream suddenly opens? I was lured to that big wage. My mind was laden with "what ifs". I sought advice from my family and friends. In the end, I declined the offer. I had a thought that God might want to know how bad I want this dream to be a reality. Moreover, I have no husband and/or kids, thus, it is too early for me to be profit-oriented.
I went on with my daily grind- working while waiting and actualizing my burning desire.
Before, I was too shy to get information from my acquaintances who work as FA at different airlines. But my eagerness and depression urged me to ask out loud. But be careful! You will encounter a few selfish FAs (friends or even bloggers) who give wrong information. I had a friend (Saudia FA, not a close friend tho) who told me that Saudia office in Jeddah does not entertain applicants. They hire employees thru an agency ONLY. She suggested that I should go to Philippines again and wait for another announcement. Little did I know, everyone can go to the office as a walk-in applicant. This information was given to me by an active member from www.pprune.org
On October 2, I submitted my CV to Saudia via e-mail. The next day, I received the invitation to be interviewed. I booked a flight, Riyadh to Jeddah, right away. My loving father accompanied me to Jeddah and patiently waited several hours for me. I came to Flight Operations Building and saw bunch of applicants. I was very blessed to be prioritized by the instructress as she knew I came all the way from Riyadh. The assessment process ended at 3pm. Our departure time was 8pm, so we stayed at Mall of Arabia. We were very, very exhausted. I decided to sleep at the prayer room. The lady cleaner allowed me to for she knew the whole scenario. I don't know how my father managed to stay awake inside the mall.
After 2 weeks, I was called by the HR telling me about the final interview with the General Manager. So, another flight was booked. On the same day of the final interview, the decision was given to me. And yes, I got accepted. The HR wanted me to take the medical exam straightaway, but I had to refuse because we were bound to go back to Riyadh in the evening. I just promised to come back.
On the first week of November, I took the medical examination. This time, my father and I had to stay in a hotel as it would take 2 days as per HR.
Did my hardship end there? No. I terminated my dependent visa, as required by Saudia, and surrendered my iqama to my father's company (Ministry of Defense). On December 7, flight to MNL, I was stopped by the immigration officer. They were looking for my iqama. They told me that iqamas should be surrendered at the airport. My father is working in the government, how come they have different regulations? No iqama, no fly. But I insisted on getting in, because if not, I should shell out AGAIN for the rebooking. My father talked to their general manager. Gladly, he gave consideration. You think, it ended there? No! When I got back to the immigration, I dealt with the pervert personnel who indecently proposed to me. That's another story. So eventually, I embarked the aircraft.
I always find fulfilling a dream parallel to gambling. I always say that. See what happened to me? I am not rich, but spent a lot of money, especially for those plane tickets. No one knows if it would pay off or not. I sacrificed many things. No one knows if it would turn out well or not.
If you really want that dream, go and work for it! Nothing comes easy in life. You will surely fall down several times, but learn to stand up. If you need to become a gambler of life, gamble all your chips, but be wise. You do not want any regrets when you get old, do you?
