I QUIT being a Flight Attendant AND WHY I feared for my SAFETY!

[@jasminem1499]

Everything you said is the exact reason I’m quitting. I thought being a FA would be fun but it’s just been draining. Excited to go back to school, have a stable job and sleep schedule again.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@jasminem1499 Yeah. I mean, for me it was a risk worth taking, but it was so much drain for little pay and I just didn’t think waiting 5-6 years for things to improve was worth it. I’m glad to be teaching again. It’s consistent and pays more. Best of luck in school.

[@stephenCarter-g4e]

Matthew. I retired 11 years ago after 37 years with a Legacy carrier. I briefly, I was a Recruiter and Instructor off and on for several months over a period of years and was fired twice. Went on strike once. I have three lifetime friends. and many memories. However, there are times it was a misrable time. Not all of the issues you shared are NOT new. I just pushed through. Also I have only been on three flights since retirement. I two thoughts to share: 1. Look back, but don't stare. 2. Theere are no deadlines on dreams. It sounds that you are well on your way to achieving many of those. Take care.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Here here!!😅 I hear you!! Our industry the ups and downs. I went through Sept. 11 and that was sad!! And yes the bankruptcy filing that all airlines went through. Yes,, walking the picket line! Yes!! Our industry!!😊

[@ivettebrisard9364]

0😊😊o

[@ChrisLee66]

Safety is always priority..........until it affects profits.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

EXACTLY! This!

[@CSkyhawk722]

100% true.

[@2expressmranderson]

The accuracy!

[@terrygivens132]

Thanks for recounting your FA experience. Being a teacher is a challenge but the FA sounds tougher given the schedule and the bullying over reporting safety issues.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@terrygivens132 It was and being a FA made me appreciate being a teacher more. Thank you so much for commenting and enjoy the rest of your weekend. 😇

[@narangi108]

Love your channel! I can relate. I worked for American Airlines a long time ago and got treated so poorly after a near crash landing incident in Chicago. I developed acute PTSD after the incident and needed a break from flying for a bit. This had to do with the specifics of the incident and where i was sitting. Long story. That's when the bullying began from the EAP and my manager. It felt like AA had no soul. My honesty about how I was feeling was held against me. Harassing voicemails from manager and bizarre comments made to me by the EAP. I decided I can't work for this company and went back to grad school. Still love flying in general, but glad I got out of there. Things have not improved at AA since i left. All the best to you and looking forward to more of your videos!

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@narangi108 I’m terribly sorry to hear what you went through and after all that, it sickens me that no one gives a damn about flight attendants’ mental health. You made the right choice and I wish you the very best.

[@bxjourneys5909]

I been with my current carrier for 30 years. I can definitely see the struggles when you first start. I have seen first hand the changes throughout the airline industry as a whole. Being a flight attendant is not for everyone. I am glad you made a decision that reflected your passion. I subscribed to your channel. Best of luck to you with your future endeavors. Jay and Luis!

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@bxjourneys5909 Thank you so much. I really had wished I could’ve had a better experience because I had been applying for almost 6 years and finally got in. Then it wasn’t what I had hoped it would be. Yes, I should’ve done my research but also I saw an opportunity and went for it, taking a risk as I knew it could be worthwhile. I took the risk and proved myself during training, but my experience as a FA couldn’t live up to my expectations. I mean, I did it 2 years and have no regrets. I’m a teacher with the public schools now and I’m loving it. Thank you for subscribing. I’ve subscribed back ☺️

[@bxjourneys5909]

@@thematthewalisharshow Fantastic! I’m sure you will be your best! Maybe you could’ve been an instructor at training.

[@TheParanormalPolynesian]

This was so fascinating, thank you for sharing your story! I’m so glad you chose your safety and wellbeing over a job. I wish you the best in your new endeavors and with this channel! Subscribed 👻🍍

[@Aureas2]

Thank you for explaining and sharing your experience. I can relate to so much of this! I lasted in the industry for almost 18 years and it almost broke me.

[@thecarrascaldreamerguy6888]

I'm your sixty fourth subs. Just continue vlogging you have the potential to succeed.

[@chinaarlene7035]

Great video, you verbalized your thoughts and experiences very well.

[@EatPrayShop]

Thank you for being open and candid about why it was not a good run at united . Me being a flight attendant at two major legacy and one regional I always get frustrated when people make videos where they are beating around the bush and not really telling people why this job isn’t as great of a run at a particular company . I understand liability issues but let’s be real the airline didn’t give a shit about us before and u highly doubt they give a shit once u leave and bad mouth them . After working in this line for a while I have one thing to say ! It’s same shit different toilet ! You are nothing but a number . Your dream of seeing the world will turn into your dream of having an ample restful sleep or get rid of the dread that gets over you when you have no control over your life and you could have a dying parent and the company tells you put out or get out ! The training is it is what it is but the whole hoo raaa about you being part of a “family” is nothing more than a heap of dog shit ! Also UNION IN AIRLINES IS NOTHING BUT SMOKE AND MIRRORS! they are there to take your money and kick you in the nuts if you need their help ! Thank you for being candid

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@EatPrayShop No. Thank YOU for being candid. Yes… I have seen a lot of videos and the thing is is that most of them do exactly what you say. They do, they just more or less beat around the bush and that is it. They don’t really truly get into why being a flight attendant is really a good choice or a bad one. And often times, I have heard them still saying how great they were even though you could tell they didn’t mean it. I personally don’t care because I am not with them anymore, and I know that they don’t care about me. And even though my friends tell me, maybe you can go back one day if things don’t work out in other fields, I really really don’t want to. I just don’t see it changing anytime soon anyway thank you for your comment and your honesty and I wish you well as well.

[@michaelhamilton812]

I appreciate your insight. I just received a CTO from your airline.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

That’s awesome! Congratulations. Do your best and select the base that you feel will be best for you. Best of luck 😊

[@crjetpilot]

Working for an airline isn’t for everyone. The 12 hr rest period may be payback for the 36 hrs in Honolulu the previous week. Most of the time, you’re working with like minded folks so you bond quickly. If you’re not someone who can roll with the punches, think outside of the box, make a good time out of a less than ideal situation, you won’t be there long. That job is not for someone who needs routines. You will be married to the job, until you accumulate enough seniority to bid for the best schedules.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

Btw all, I have written a New Romantic Comedy novel titled “With Love for Josephine Heart.” Check out the dets below. Thank you all so much for your support. www.lulu.com/shop/matthew-j-sam/with-love-for-josephine-heart/paperback/product-yvvmdg9.html?q=With+love+for+Josephine+heart&page=1&pageSize=4

[@takeoffwithcaleb]

Being a flight attendant is a job that requires that you sacrifice so much of your own happiness, especially in the beginning (low pay, jet lag, missing family events). It is not for everyone. I am sorry to hear that you felt unsafe. I know I probably would have done the same if I were in your shoes. There are days,you feel like a number. You still need to push through and see the bigger picture. Good luck on your new journey 😊

[@marysunshine5587]

Im so glad Ive been watching these videos I was going to do this for my last career until retirement ,Im 58 and I think Im to old for this lol it sounds exhausting too

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@marysunshine5587 It was very exhausting with hours that were all over the place. I mean, I have friends that love schedules like that but I’m not one of them. Best of luck in all you do

[@activ8me3]

I do admire flight attendants. They endure a lot (from bad PAX to bad air to bad management to pad pay). They should just collectively refuse to work and demand respect.

[@Brian-dv8ke]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@lawrenceakini4981]

Thanks for this vlog. Good luck to you. Have an amazing week. Looking forward to the future of your vlog. Cheers.

[@johnshelton9441]

Awesome Video!! Glad I found your new channel. Best of luck.

[@lindao4232]

I 100% agree with you. I was an FA for your competitor. The game is to work you so that you’re too tired to even use your benefits. Basically you work full time hours for part time pay: especially on reserve! Glad I left.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

Exactly and I caught on to that very quickly as time went by. The contract at 🌐 is such a sh*t contract and I could never be awarded FMLA for my father’s illness, which was the straw that broke the camel’s back along with deferring safety issues that could’ve proven extremely detrimental. I only miss my classmates and the people I’ve met and it did bring me to my partner. But the company itself? I do not miss it at all and I too am glad I left.

[@missme84]

​@thematthewalisharshow I'm currently going through the FMLA process for my parent. Without going into medical detail, did they say why they wouldn't approve your FMLA?

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@missme84 They always gave me “Not Enough Medical Facts” provided even though I had doctors fill out the forms plus provided test results and photos. Unfortunately, the Union informed me they deliberately make the process challenging for God knows what.

[@flyinghow]

You are a great speaker!!!

[@thematthewalisharshow]

Aww thank you so much

[@kmauryo]

Go back to teaching or become a podcaster or radio announcer.? You have a wonderful speaking voice & tone. Very thorough and implicit. I retired after 40 years……Good luck you will find your niche . 🤙🤓🙏🏻whats your Zodiac?

[@thematthewalisharshow]

I appreciate the compliment thank you so much. I would love to do podcasting or radio. It’s also my dream to host or cohost a talk show. 😊

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing your career with an airline.😊 Yes, safety is First!! Period!!!! Seeing aircraft tape is very very interesting to say the least! And we, in the industry, always hope that an item is fixed always!!! We have given reports and still do give reports about items that need to be fixed on aircraft. Well, I am glad you have decided to continue your career in a another direction.😊 Congrats on you getting a full time teaching position!🎉😅 And yes, still fir those people who want to become Flight Attendants or a Pilot then please do so!! It is a great career!! Yes, sometimes in those first few years you may have to get try a have other part time jobs depending upon where you live and are based in order to survive. But depending upon when you get to those contract salary increases, lufe becomes easier. And commuting is hard to do for many of us FAs and Pilots but if you can manage to survive those gard times well it gets better!! Again, thank you for sharing you experience and continued success in teaching in Education. I am a former Purser Flight Attendant from United Airlines here in Chicago.😊

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Sorry! The lufe should be "life". Thanks!😊

[@thematthewalisharshow]

I do feel their ways of life will get better. I just hope their next contract will alleviate a lot of the stresses that come with the industry

[@LMays-cu2hp]

@@thematthewalisharshow First off, I am sorry for a few couple of words misspelled! Secondly, yes, contract negotiations with each airline will be better for the FA Staffs. Pilots, Mechanics and Gate Agents. Furthermore, I saw the recent news about my former airline United and the FAs in their talks of the contracts. Well.anyway. I am glad I had part-time jobs during my first 3 years of flying and seeing the world. ☺

[@jairfitness]

Great video for new hires to know what they sign up for definitely they burned you out, take care and continue your great attitude ❤️

[@paulrom446]

I worked years ago for COEX at an Outstation! I trained at IAH! Went to a Flight Attendant Graduation 🎓 Pahtee,! Wild! I've seen the Dump Tanks! We called them Screw Scheduling! People don't realize that Inflight is tough! Our Hotel 🛏️ at TYS is on the Airport! Flight 🛫 Crews loved it!

[@FrankDimino1]

As you know there is a Need for teaching special education students ( especially severe autism) in every major city- kids are the best-you appreciate your life better-good pension-holidays-it’s all about the kids-retired as a school psychologist for 31 years in LA-still miss the kids!

[@kmauryo]

What killed me was the short min. Layovers @ BWI @ The Doubletree. Our wake up calls were 4:15 am …. Coming from Vegas is a shock to my circadian right now rhythm… a lot. You are the best story-teller ever……your truth is great. Most folks now have extreme short-attention spa memoriesns because your vids almost 30 determination mins. Long but it captivated me that I watched it all the way through … ps. I want your book 📕 😊

[@thematthewalisharshow]

Aww thank you so much. What killed it for me half the time was going from Dulles to SFO with only 10 or 11 hrs before having to work the trip back at 5:15am. FA life can be great, but it just wasn’t for me. About the book, thank you for your support. It’s on Lulu.com and Amazon Kindle called “With Love for Josephine Heart” by Matthew J. Sam, my pen name. You’re awesome 😎

[@paulrom446]

I also worked Retail Travel in ATLANTA and TYS back in the High flying 80's! Fams to Italy London and LA! All expenses paid!

[@justanotherhuman2961]

I am 69 and was a major Airline pilot who failed due to all you talk about. Such a lonely life.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@justanotherhuman2961 You are not a failure. Being a pilot is a major accomplishment. You are not the one who failed but was failed by broken promises and lies by an industry that treats its employees like numbers, who are supposed to sacrifice everything for them, yet they never do the same in return. You are still here and have a lot to give. Thank you for all you’ve done and for your hard work.

[@aleksanderb.1026]

People, companies, ideologies etc will eventually always let you down ! But not God❤

[@thematthewalisharshow]

True. God’s always got my back.

[@mrAhollandjr]

You worked for United.

[@frieda8956]

It’s literally in the thumbnail 🤔

[@finned958]

You describe the job as a fast food worker in an airplane. Low wages, low respect, and bad hours. Flight attendants should be paid as a salaried job. When I travel for my job, all expenses are paid with per diem. Costs add up. Shame that you get no similar benefits.

[@elvisjd710]

new sub here. I love your honesty. 29k?? I'm sure you were making more as a teacher.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@elvisjd710 lol indeed. That’s why I’ve returned to the profession.

[@elvisjd710]

@@thematthewalisharshow Im a teacher and adjunct professor in NJ. Sometimes I feel like I’d like to try something else but honestly having the summer off and the holidays is the best.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

And I think it was all about just trying something new. I thought it would be for me but it wasn’t and that’s okay. It was an educational and enriching experience that wasn’t what I had hoped it would be. But I’m the same way. I love my holidays, weekends, and summers off. It’s so good to be back

[@elvisjd710]

@@thematthewalisharshow I love that you went for it and not regret it later in life thinking you should have and didn’t.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@elvisjd710Thank you so much. I’m happy that I tried it and truly have created some great memories despite some of the things I went through.

[@MrTwostring]

Eleven subscribers. Now 12. Now watching the video. I hope it's good. Remember me when you get big.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@MrTwostring Aww you’re awesome. Thank you so much. I will 😊

[@MrTwostring]

@@thematthewalisharshow It wasn't clear to me when I commented that this is a SECOND channel or a relaunched channel. I'm wondering why KZbin showed it to me... but yeah, you need those first 100. I enjoyed the story. Good luck in your career.

[@Mark-sp6vq]

Hes talking about United. They hate their employees

[@thematthewalisharshow]

Oops! Thanks for pointing it out everyone. I started training in October 2022 not 2024! 😂😅

[@cwilson000]

I'm a ramp agent in Rapid City

[@kh103132]

You made the correct decisions.

[@TodayWithJade]

Thank you for your honesty!!! Best wishes to you and your future endeavors!

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@TodayWithJade I greatly appreciate it thank you 😊

[@ChariotManGaming85]

I hear you on that. I'm trying to get into the Airline Industry. From the Private Security industry. I applied to Delta back in 22 didn't get pass the virtual interview, Applied to Endeavour Air Delta's Regional Airline. Didn't get pass the Virtual Interview. Applied to Southwest and American Airlines.. I actually pass the Virtual Interview for American Airlines. Flew to Dallas Fortworth Tx back in August of 2022. But didn't get the F2F.. Then did Southwest in January 2023..Failed the Virtual Interview.. I took a break. Now I'm ready to reapply again to these Airlines and i will be victorious. Can't give up. But good video..

[@thematthewalisharshow]

You got this. Just keep trying. I got in but just found it wasn’t for me but you’re motivated and I can tell you’ll be dedicated. Best of luck and I will pray

[@ChariotManGaming85]

@@thematthewalisharshow Thanks I appreciate it.

[@65NART]

And considering all the videos out there about working as a FA and the treatment from management and supervisors you still joined.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@65NART I went ahead and took the risk hoping it would be different for me. But I think it took working as a FA to truly appreciate my job as a teacher. I belong in the classroom but working as a FA for 2 years, I have no regrets

[@RunTravelSleepRepeat]

I saw all the videos about working as a FA and Ive been with Delta for 6 years now. It was the best decision I ever made to get a career as a flight attendant. I love every day I go to work. It's a great industry. It's just not for everyone. I applaud anyone who chooses to leave when they realize it isn't a good fit for them. Life's too short to be unhappy.

[@semsemeini7905]

I dislike United. It was a great airline in the 70s.

[@jamesrios8438]

What bothers me is how much better southwest is paid probaly alot easier too

[@thematthewalisharshow]

I know they voted on tentative agreements. Something I wish my former airline was even close to

[@pettybroccoli]

Going through the same right now tbh. Feeling stuck and used and abused

[@thematthewalisharshow]

Everything will be okay. Figure out what else you’d be passionate about and great at. There’s something out there for you if you feel being in your position isn’t right for you. You got this and I’ll be praying.

[@sevanandasaraswati5265]

I worked for Continental in Houston under Frank Lorenzo back in the 80s. No safety issues, but so many customer service issues. Like you, just wasn't the right time! LOL

[@thematthewalisharshow]

Hi there. I did hear though that it was much stabler under Continental, but I don’t know. I’m just hoping that the contract negotiations are successful and the flight attendants get what they deserve. No one realizes that without FAA min. crew, the planes can’t get off the ground.

[@Herman-in-SEA]

Matt, how eloquent was your explanation of your career change. My real admiration to you for living your convictions, even as your FA family tried to keep you in the fold. And, as you said, $ does become an existential factor. Tell me this - do you think any subscribers possibly might not know which carrier was your employer. Of course I am not going to name it, just in case you are under any legal restraints involving divulging that particular airline - whom I have flown several times - including SAN- LAX LAX-MEM-LAX LAX-PDX-LAX LAX-JFK-LAX IAH-SAN SEA-IAH-SEA that I remember. And cabin crews were good in my experience. But, to the future. Hurrah for the full time position in school. And definitely for getting some more education for advancement. And so blessed are you and Jack to be a ‘WE’. A prof position at Carnegie Mellon would be such a worthy goal to achieve. The two of you can do anything for which you employ that perseverance referred to in lasting through that unfortunate last part of the FA life that involved the slide deployment dangers. You mentioned finally knowing who you are before the age of 41 (isn’t it?). Before I was able to know that in the deepest sense, I was right at 70. I am sure you will be able to take advantage of the travel benefits via Jack. So, I hope both of you will be able to come to SEA and stay with me. Both of you are worthwhile men whose friendship I would be honored to have bestowed on me. Finally, re content, always enjoy seeing you and your Mom doing things, and anticipate your taking about what literary creations you are creating. I THINK you know this - I am a classically trained piano player and I do compose my own stuff = both piano and orchestral. That is my mode of creative expression. Forward, my friend. Herm

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@Herman-in-SEA Hi Herman how are you doing? Yes…it was a lot to share but it was an experience that was very much needed and necessary in my life. I don’t believe we have any legal restraints but I’m certain people knew based on the uniform and the fact I only took video of our plane. But yes, I still don’t mention it due to possible legal restrictions. Not that I’m saying anything that hasn’t been heard or covered by the media before. I really look forward to the next chapters of my life because I have a lot planned and I will work diligently to follow through. Anyway, Jack loves Seattle so we will see but I’ll drop a line for sure when we are in town and we can all get together for lunch or something. Take care and hope life is treating you well.

[@jackiejoy1852]

New subscriber 😊

[@ronchartopaizo2690]

Yep, lots of jobs are not right for a lot of people. But the flip side of this is that there are many happy flight attendants who have been with their companies for decades. With a little bit of research prior to pursuing a flight attendant career, most people would have discovered the cons you mentioned. Best of luck

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@ronchartopaizo2690 For me, I just simply wanted to take a risk and for the first 6 months or so, I was happy. But how the company’s handled IROPS and our treatment during it made it difficult for me personally to go the distance.

[@jafarimedia6570]

I think a lot of FA’s take the job too seriously and becomes their life. You have the make the airline work for you and not the other way around. If you make the job your life it will consume you.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@jafarimedia6570 And honestly, I did try. But probably since I had been a teacher for 13 years prior, I just couldn’t get used to the drastic change and way of life. I don’t regret my decision of giving it a go or leaving the profession. I met some wonderful people and I have a lot of memories I’ll take with me.

[@johnwilliams3836]

Good video.

[@aaronaustrie]

Interesting 🤔

[@quintariusdavis3472]

that sounds like truck driving

[@stephenCarter-g4e]

Matthew wrote the previous comment as a teacher's nightmare. Try to decipher the message Be well.

[@SKYSTAR767]

24 layover on an international lol that is not a layover.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@SKYSTAR767 Geneva was only 19 due to a delay. 😂😂😂

[@gettinoveritgettinoverit1062]

🛩 🛬 💺 🛫 🎓 👨‍🎓 🏫 👨‍🏫

[@paulg9667]

When was this "meltdown"? I'm a United FA and have no idea when this meltdown was that you're talking about lol

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@paulg9667 www.afacwa.org/united_afa_mec_demand_letter_june302023#:~:text=June%2030%2C%202023%20-%20Dear%20Flying,“bad%20day”%20for%20aviation.

[@thematthewalisharshow]

@@paulg9667 airinsight.com/who-is-to-blame-for-the-summer-meltdown-at-united/

[@krishl86chic]

You're a United FA that didn't know about the meltdown? 🤨 when did you become a FA with them? Lol

[@karataylor7238]

I wish more airlines flew the Airbus...I'm scared on Boenings,

[@thematthewalisharshow]

Sadly the Boeings have never always been the way they are now. And yes, blah blah, while people argue you’re likelier to die in a car wreck, I personally wouldn’t trust the Boeings now, especially the MAX’s.

[@mikebenale7529]

Geez.

[@thomassharp2719]

Next time go to work for Imelda Marcos Airways.