[USER]

Hey y’all… I need advice. I work for a major airline as a flight attendant. We haven’t had a pay raise in over 5 years. I make 30k a year and I have 8k worth of credit card debt split between two cards.

I don’t have a car and my lease is over and too expensive to renew so I’ve decided to let it go.

I’m also a full time student because I figured getting a degree would be my only means to a decent paying job in the future.

I’ve been struggling to get groceries, to get to class and to work because I also don’t have a car.

I just honestly need more words of encouragement than advice at this point because I am at my lowest.

[Jule]

My cousin works for a private airliner making at least $85k as a flight attendant. Would you consider that?

They have a big shortage and she didn’t have any experience prior to that job. She’s been working there for three years and going well.

[Ken]

You must work for the same airline I do! I’m 8 years in, it gets better but it’s a struggle right now since there is a fight between labor and company. Once the contract gets settled things will improve in pretty much every way.

Also once you get off reserve you can fly a ton more hours. During my first four years I worked hard and saved.

I bought a new construction condo in LA after that and rent out the extra rooms so my cost of living is super cheap.

Hang in there, anything is possible.

Related: How to stay motivated while saving money?

[Camron]

All I can say is make a plan stick to it, and make it happen. There will be obstacles and it will be hard but it’s worth it in the end. When I decided, I was going to do something to better my life I had just gotten a divorce, lost my house and had just started school.

I worked full time, night shift for a while and evening shift for a while.

Typically, I got 3-4 hours of sleep a day at best and most of that was in my car in a parking lot at school or work. It took 4 years between pre reqs, the program “waiting list” and clinicals.

I bought a house my last year in school, and it’s only gone up from there.

Bust your ass and don’t give up and things will start to happen. If it was easy everyone would do it.

[Brooks]

The only words of encouragement I have for you is to get a new job? I live in a lcol and pay people more than that to play with dogs at a dog daycare. You are making $14/hr which is less than minimum wage in half the country.

However not all is lost. I have 3 million dollars and used to be grossly underpaid too, so there’s plenty of hope for you!!! Since you’re going to school the pay isn’t the end of the world but I’d say hurry up and graduate! You got this!

[Shawn]

Curious, what airline. I haven’t been flying due to plane issues and the bad experience I had with my last trip. I don’t want to fly with an airline that can’t afford to give their employees a raise.

[Ami]

Do content creation as a journal of your journey and u will get paid for doing ads. TikTok or YouTube or insta. Everyone is doing this and it pays a lot of money.

[JN Chang]

Looks like you are doing everything you can and right for yourself at this moment. It’s a lot on your plate now so of course it’s stressful. Hang in there and have a faith in what you are doing. It will pay off as soon as you get your degree and find a new job if that’s your plan.

Advice: pay off your credit card debt asap.

Suggested: How to stay motivated for a no-spend challenge with upcoming special occasions like birthdays and Valentine’s Day?

[Jorge]

I’m so sorry OP. I don’t know what to say to make you feel better. But I can share you what I did to get rich. I went the stem route. I went from 20k a year to over 6 figures by doing to school for 7 years. Ba + ed.s I know it’s a long road but idk what else to say besides writr this post. I really hope something good happens to you

[Ilka]

General Aviation pays a lot more. I made the switch from American Airlines to general aviation in my 20’s. No regrets. Not sure where you live, but HCOL cities, the pay is well into the 6 figures (full time), and $500+ a day for day (part time) work.

I’ve since retired from that field, but absolutely loved it and saw the world.

[Brenda]

You asked for encourage but so many have given advice instead. I’m going to focus on what you requested.

I was just like you 28 years ago. I worked four jobs, raised a child and went to school. I slept an hour here and there mostly in my car. It was tough but I graduated with no debt and even did my MBA before going into my career.

I am not going to retire like most here because I ended up marrying a spender and gambler but, after a divorce, I’ve done very well for myself. We were married 25 years and ended the marriage with very little but I’ve gathered most of what I need in the last few years simply due to going back to school like you have.

It’s tough but so worthwhile, and you are already making great strides!

[Natalie]

You need a different job. Seriously waitressing or bartending will pay you more. Or try to go be an FA on the private side at a charter co or private account.

Get income coming in. Follow a real budget (Dave Ramsey style). Then go get an education if possible.

If you like flying then become a pilot and pay as you go for training at a flying club. It will pay 2-15x more than you are making now over time. Yes I said it – 15x more. Those 30 year senior captains are pulling in 450k plus. Your first flying job will probably pay what you’re making now. Your 2nd will pay double. Your 3rd will pay triple. You already work an airline schedule.

[Pachi]

Please know that you are not alone. Believe me, there are people who want what you have. You have a job. You have an education. Take it one step at a time, be grateful for what you have, and please be kind to yourself. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Keep a positive mind and good things will follow.

[Pachi]

Please know that you are not alone. Believe me, there are people who want what you have. You have a job. You have an education. Take it one step at a time, be grateful for what you have, and please be kind to yourself. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Keep a positive mind and good things will follow.

[Bindia]

Hang in there.

You have so much going on and it must be so hard. Great work on juggling everything and hustling to get your classwork done while working. I agree with you that educational is your way to the next step, but consider this. Is college education the right way to go or is an education in a trade program better? If I could do it again, I would get into a 1-2 year trade program. The need is infinite and you make so much as soon as you graduate.

[Ada]

There is an internal company that just announced that they will hire American Airline flight attendants if you want to relocate overseas (they aren’t an American company just and American owner) and pay you more the you currently make.

They will help you figure out the move, etc. it’s a company that helps people move overseas.

Company is nomad capitalist. They just release a podcast about this offer.

[Author]

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