Originally Posted by
tigerlily75
Hi all, newbie here, I have just applied for both Qantas & Virgin online, Melbourne based.
A few questions if I may -
How exactly does the rostering work, as in how much time do I get to spend at home in a block? I am mother of a young (well, 8yrs) child - are any FA's here parents, and do you feel you spend adequate time with your children? I would adore this job and lifestyle, but it's important to me to have some balance and not have my daughter forget who I am ....
Hi tigerlily, Welcome to the forums
There are plenty of current QF longhaul F/As with kids. It can be ok, it just depends how you look at it. Being away for up to 8 days at a time can suck a little, but on the other side, you then get to spend a good amount of time at home. And when you are home, you are really home, 24/7.
I know people in regular jobs who get nowhere near as much quality time with their kids as what a lot of F/As do. In a regular job, you are rushing all week, often only get to see the kids for a rushed half an hour in the morning, then for a bit at the end of the day, but you're stressed and trying to get everything done. Most F/As I know who have kids really get to spend all their time off in between trips focusing on their kids. You don't have any other stresses or work responsibilities, so you can really focus and really appreciate time with kids/family.
I know that on the new conditions, you will be away a little bit more than current crew, but it basically works out to just one more Hong Kong trip or similar per roster - not a huge difference. As it is, I've done an extra trip this roster, and I'm surviving.
On the downside, it can be difficult when there is something on at school that you really want to be home for, but can't, because you're on a trip. You really have to be prepared for that. Also things like birthdays, Christmas, parties, etc. You will probably be allowed to request a "Special Event Leave" day if you know well in advance, but that comes out of your annual leave (and you won't get one for things like Christmas).
Another advantage: you will probably get to go on many more overseas holidays with your kids! My girlfriend has a child, similar age to yours, and she has been overseas more than any kid I know! We've also taken her on a couple of work trips. It's good fun
Let me know if you have any more questions about it. It is a big decision and does not suit every parent, but I reckon it's worth a go.