ShesGreatInTheGalley, why must you lump ALL new, fresh out of ground school crew in the same boat like that?
It sounds like you are infact the whingey one going by that post. I personally have been nothing but enthusiastic and hard-working since I was checked to line a couple of months ago, and a lot of my ground school mates talk about how hard they're working just to avoid the kind of reputation you're talking about, ie. lazy, whingey, etc.
I have not heard any negative comments from any CMs about my particular ground school and most have commented on how well prepared and knowledgeable we have been compared to SOME ground schools of the past. I know my SOPs and EPs as well as any other crew member, and in some cases probably moreso because I've had them taught to me and drilled into me quite recently. I don't however go around pretending like I know everything in front of the experienced crew because I know how cocky and arrogant that would look. I also realise that I probably still have a lot to learn about the job, which will come with time.
And it's really disheartening to hear someone like you who will just brandish all new people as dumb and lazy. As for the example you gave about someone not knowing how to arm a door... Well if I was confronted with someone like that I personally would almost want to shoot them, because that procedure is drilled into us so much during ground school, I find it hard to believe anyone would actually have a problem with performing that.
I actually think that the morale at Jetstar could actually do with a bit of a boost from a lot of fresh, new faces like us who are still very excited to have got the job and still quite enthusiastic (however naieve you might think that is). I've even had some crew of about 3 or 4 years experience comment on how nice it is to see so many excited new crew out on line and that it reminds them of how they felt when they first started.
Ugghh! Sorry if I just got HUGELY defensive, but I can't stand people who generalise and take the actions of a few new people and talk about how all newbies are the same, when there are some of us who are putting in a hard effort to stay on everyone's good sides and positively work together with the existing crew.
First of all, i was very careful to word my post so as to not 'lump' everyone in the same boat. There are lots of fantastic new crew out there online that do a great job and dont even deserve a mention in my rant, except to say that they are fine. If you are one of these people, who know your stuff, and work hard - why are you offended at my post?
I am most certainly not against having new crew - far from it! every new crew member soon becomes an old one and if you work with them from the same base, a good friend and colleague. So, fresh blood into a company is a great thing - of which i have never doubted.
Now i dont know how old you are, or what your previous experience is prior to flying, and its none of my business. My post was directed mainly at those who are fresh out of high school - little if no full time work experience - who think that this job is a walk in the park and they can sit around and dream all day.
And this is obviously not you - so dont be offended at my post as i wasnt directing it at you!
If you are one of the younger ones straight from school - then good on you for having the balls to even visit this forum and post a reply - it obviously shows you love your job and are committed to it - and from your post, that you work hard and are not 'lazy' etc The people i refer to (and sadly whether you believe it or not.. there are a few in every ground school) are not the type to even know of this forums existance - they are too busy out partying to be home on the internet.
Every time they do a ground school they seem to (and this is a rumor - its been years since mine so i have no idea) 'train' the new employees into thinking that those of us who are still here (pre-JQ) are wingey, lazy, negative, hating the company all that and that its only the fresh crew that keep the motivation going - who love their work.
I wouldnt still be here, loving my job three or so years on (from JQ startup) if i was of that frame of mind. Many have taken the opportunity to leave. There isnt much incentive wise to keep those here who really hate this kind of work, so its fair to say that those of us who have been here since before JQ actually take pride in our jobs and enjoy coming to work and meeting new, positive and energetic crew who want to do the right thing. And yes, it still ****S me that i meet reguarly crew who are new (under 12 mths) who prefer to sit in the galley and complain... or who are always invisible in the cabin when needed etc
You are obviously new enough not to notice this yet.. but its there.. and its happening - and they dont stay longer than 12 months really because they realise that its a very lifestyle consuming job and that they are expected to work. Please post back in 12 months and let me know if you still believe my post was totally out of order - you will notice it yourself.
* and yes- i was having a big winge in that post - which is why i called it 'rant'.