Why I cannot consider a 'CA who is only strict with juniors' a professional

Good evening🌙
This is Ebine, an active flight attendant✈️

Today, I'm not writing about exam preparation or interview strategies, but rather
something I felt as an active flight attendant myself.

I hope this will be read not only by those interested in becoming a flight attendant, but also by people in any profession🌻

“Can we truly protect lives with today's crew?”
I often think about this during flights.

Recently, strangely enough, I have had several opportunities to work with “seniors who are only strict with juniors.” I have been scolded in a harsh tone just for asking a question, or told “it’s fine” just for trying to help.

Yet, a few minutes later, they are chatting happily and smiling with other seniors.
“Ah, it’s because it’s me.”

There were moments when I felt that way.

Of course, I switch my mindset and do my job during the flight.

But when that happens, what I think about is not
“I had an unpleasant experience.”

What I think about most is something else entirely.

“If an emergency were to happen in this cabin right now, could this team protect the passengers' lives?”

It is taken for granted that an airplane will arrive at its destination without incident.

That is why many passengers might view the work of a flight attendant as just “customer service.”

Service is certainly important.

But our primary role is to protect safety. If a passenger suddenly falls ill on board.

If there is severe turbulence.

If an emergency occurs.

What is needed then is not just knowledge of the manual.

It is being a team that trusts each other, calls out without hesitation, and supports one another.

That is why, on every flight, somewhere in my heart, I think,



“Can we truly protect lives with today's members?” If someone is feeling intimidated.

If there is an atmosphere where one cannot consult others.

If a junior feels scared even to ask a question.

I believe that atmosphere will surely affect us in an emergency.

Of course, I am not a perfect flight attendant myself.

When I was a rookie, I was scolded quite often.

“I failed again.”

“I don’t want to fly with this senior anymore.”

I have thought that more than once or twice.

But looking back now, the seniors who raised me had common traits.


・They did not attack my character.


・They told me things on the spot as much as possible.


・They explained the reasons why things should be done a certain way.


・They thought about improvement methods together with me.


・They were wishing for my growth, not looking for faults.


There was always “love” there.


That is why the seniors I initially thought I didn't get along with eventually became the people I felt most secure with.

Now, there are some who have turned into flights that feel like a reward, where I think, “I want to fly with them again.”

I have learned something since becoming a flight attendant.

It is that

“strict people” and “scary people” are different.

Truly reliable people will properly tell you what is necessary.

But they do not hurt the person's character.

And, they also teach you how to protect yourself.

Previously, there was a senior I thought was very unsociable and scary at first.

But one day, that senior said this to me:

“I’m sorry I couldn’t teach you properly because I just returned from leave.”

And,

“If you try doing it once without looking at the cheat sheet, I’m sure you’ll do well.”

With those words, I changed more than I expected myself.

And recently, when I worked with that senior for the first time in a while.

“I hear there are people who are too strict with juniors lately.”

After saying that, the senior didn't ask who it was or what had happened.

Just one thing.

“If something unreasonable happens, write down the time and what was said to keep evidence. It’s a way to protect yourself and your juniors.”

Those words still remain in my heart.

Perhaps people trust those who teach them how to protect themselves more than those who listen to someone else's bad-mouthing.

People might trust those who teach them how to protect themselves more than those who listen to someone else's bad-mouthing.

I sometimes think about “what kind of flight attendant I want to be.”

Someone whom juniors can ask questions to with peace of mind.Someone who can share their own failures without hiding them.

Someone who can teach how to protect oneself when necessary.

But someone who does not spread bad-mouthing or rumors about others.

I want to be that kind of person.

Actually, recently, I laughed and told a senior, “Maybe it’s because it’s my yakudoshi (unlucky year).”

Then,

“You should have a purification ritual and carry an amulet.”

That’s what I was told.

Actually, at that time, I had already finished the purification and was carrying an amulet (laughs).

Furthermore, by coincidence, the Omikanshu (ring) from Samuhara Shrine in Osaka that I had been requesting for a long time arrived💍✨

Of course, I don’t think that just because I have an amulet, bad things won’t happen.

But every time I wear it, I think,

“I want to be someone who can protect others.”

That applies not only to passengers,

but also to the colleagues I work with.

And to myself as well.

Until I became a flight attendant, I almost gave up on my dream many times.

Even after becoming a flight attendant, I only make mistakes.

My life has by no means been smooth sailing.

But precisely because I have had experiences of taking detours and getting hurt, I have become able to empathize with others' feelings.

So, it’s okay if I can’t be a perfect flight attendant.

Instead,

I want to be a flight attendant who makes others feel safe standing next to me.



Not just kindness,
I want to be someone who can also have strength when necessary.

As that kind of person, I want to continue flying in the sky.

Thank you for reading until the end✈️

Former Ground Staff, Active Flight Attendant
From Ebine🌺