Feeling Stuck: How Can I Reclaim My Dream Cabin Crew Role After Illness?

Hello All. I am a cabin crew member of a well-reputed airline. I joined in January 2022, and everything was going well until I started feeling unwell while operating a flight. I was taken to the doctor, and they advised me to undergo some tests. When the reports came back, everything looked fine, and the doctor suggested I make some dietary changes. I was relieved that there was nothing to worry about.

I informed my airline, provided them with the details and reports, and received medical clearance from the in-house medical team. They assured me they would schedule my flights for me to return soon. However, they kept postponing the schedule, leaving me at home, paying monthly rent as I was not in my hometown.

Despite my follow-ups with HR and other departments, they provided no information, simply stating that the process takes time. After waiting for over a month, they finally called me after 50 days and asked me to come to Delhi. When I arrived, they humiliated me, stating they couldn't risk letting me fly back due to my previous illness, which had caused flight delays.

They insisted I work as ground staff at the airport base, a role I refused as my training and passion lie in being a cabin crew member. It had been my childhood dream, and I had fought with my parents to pursue this career. However, the airline disregarded my aspirations, making me feel insignificant.

They mentioned I could return to flying whenever I wanted but only after working on the ground for a while. Reluctantly, I agreed. Despite working as ground staff for a month now, my job profile remains unchanged in the documents, yet I am forced to continue in this role.

I am questioning whether it is within the rights of my employer or the airline to treat me in this manner simply because I fell ill for a couple of days. Life presents unexpected challenges, and the incident on the flight was one such instance. I apologized, but they showed no interest in my perspective.

I seek guidance on how I can reclaim my designation as a cabin crew member. I do not wish to resign as flying has always been my dream. Additionally, I have paid a security deposit of 50k and signed a 3-year contract with them.

Please assist me in resolving this situation.

Perhaps you are becoming over-anxious; you need to bid for the time. Flying is a high-risk business, and you are required to prove your health status. The airline would like to be fully satisfied that you are fully fit. I think you need to allow the process to take its time and don't try to hurry through. From the narrative, it doesn't look like they are trying to ease you out.

Your concerns and worries are understandable, but at this stage, there is not much you can do, except demonstrate your good health. Keep your emotions under control; frustration is not going to help.

Please start enjoying the work you are assigned. Take it in a positive spirit, as you are getting free exposure to the work at the ground level, which probably would be helpful in the long run.

Dear Divya,

"Man proposes, God disposes," goes the famous adage. However, should we blame God entirely, or do you too have some part in it that remains to be seen?

You experienced uneasiness during the flight. But on the preceding day, did you sleep well? Did you consume food that upset your stomach? Did you consume food that had a little excess soda? Please find honest replies to these questions.

Whatever the replies may be, your company has grounded you. You cannot undo your past. Therefore, give your best to whatever job you have been assigned. Devote your heart and soul.

Everybody suffers due to setbacks in life. You have suffered now. But whether the setback will impact the future progress of your career is in your hands. For the setback you have suffered, you were only involved in the incident. However, life is not necessarily that fair to others. They suffer due to cheating or betrayal by others. Putting up with betrayal is far more difficult.

Whether one has a flying job or not, coming up with flying colors is in one's hands.

Continue to work with ground duties. However, a few months later, find out whether you can get a job in the training department.

Before closing, your post merits development feedback. The quality of English in your post is better than the average posts of this forum. However, it is not on par with a flying professional. It appears that you have not taken into account the difference between spoken and written English. Good communication skills, both oral and written, are prerequisites for one's growth, especially for those dealing with customers in the airline industry. Please work on grammar to address this weakness of yours.

All the best!

Dinesh Divekar

Hi, my suggestion is that you continue with the role of Ground Crew for some more months. Your employer might have assigned the role of Ground Crew to observe your health condition, to see if there is any recurrence, etc. So please be patient and perform your role as Ground Crew happily. Importantly, don't make any hasty decisions like resigning or sending a nasty email to HR. The reason is that your employer will accept it happily and will provide a relieving letter with remarks of ill health issues. Time will heal everything! Wish you good luck in your career!

On your own personal interest, go for a master health check-up to ensure you are perfectly alright!