Monday, June 22, 2009

Changes

So I found out about a week ago that I might be loosing my job effective August. US Airways is laying off 300 flight attendants in PHX and LAS and if they don't get enough volunteers, I will be involuntary furloughed. I need around 93 flight attendants above me to volunteer and then I would be the most junior reserve flight attendant in PHX. This got me thinking as to what I would do during my time off. I could be out for as little as 4 months to 16 months or indefinitely. I have been flying for over 6 years but unfortunately only about 3 here which is why my job is in jeopardy. My fist reaction was crap what in the world am I going to do? This puts a huge road block in my plans to buy a house or condo...even if I made the cut, how long will that last? Could I loose my job in six months? I can't in good faith buy a property with the chance of loosing my income. So then I got to thinking about the possibility of teaching English in a foreign country for a year. If I volunteer I get to keep my seniority and longevity during my time off. If I don't volunteer and manage to keep my job, I would never be able to get any day off that I might need thus making my life pretty miserable. I'm not sure if I can handle another four years of reserve without some type of break. After doing some research, I think that South Korea would be my best bet because they pay the best and have a low cost of living. Many past teachers have reported saving $10,000-15,000 during the year...how awesome would that be to have a huge savings account when I come back home.

I will have to quit RedLobster before I am laid off so that I can collect unemployment until I start teaching. I plan on taking the month of August off and do a bit of traveling around the states to visit my friends and family that I have neglected over the past year due to my second job and lack of time to travel.

I am scared to death to take this huge step, but I think in my heart this is the right decision. I am so stressed and hope that this is the right choice. I think this could be an awesome opportunity to travel to a part of the world I have never been plus experience a new culture. If anyone has any information on agencies they recommend, please let me know.

No comments: