The Next Chapter: A Former SIA Air Stewardess Shares Her Journey

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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Life as an SIA Air Stewardess: The Highs and Lows

The life of an SIA air stewardess is often romanticized, and rightly so. There's an undeniable allure to the job. The glamorous aspects are plentiful:

• International travel opportunities: Exploring the world, experiencing diverse cultures, and seeing iconic landmarks are all part of the package. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beaches of the Maldives, the job provides unparalleled travel experiences.
• Diverse passenger interactions: Meeting people from all walks of life, learning about different cultures, and building connections with individuals from across the globe is a unique and enriching aspect of the role.
• Exclusive crew benefits: Discounted flights, hotel stays, and access to exclusive lounges provide perks that many other professions simply can't offer.
• Rigorous training: The training itself is a significant undertaking, providing valuable skills in customer service, safety procedures, and conflict resolution.

However, the reality of being an SIA air stewardess extends beyond the glamour. The job demands significant commitment and sacrifices:

• Irregular work schedules: Long shifts, overnight flights, and constantly changing rosters make for a demanding lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging.
• Dealing with difficult passengers: Not every passenger is pleasant, and managing difficult situations with grace and professionalism is a crucial skill.
• Managing jet lag: The constant time zone changes and disrupted sleep patterns can take a toll on physical and mental health.
• Emotional toll of being away from home: Extended periods away from loved ones can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

My personal experience included the thrill of landing in exotic locations like Rio de Janeiro, but also the exhaustion of dealing with a particularly irate passenger on a delayed flight from London. The highs were exhilarating, but the lows required resilience and adaptability.

The Decision to Leave SIA: Why the Next Chapter Began

After ten years with SIA, I reached a point where I needed a change. The decision to leave wasn't impulsive; it was the culmination of several factors:

• Desire for work-life balance: The irregular hours and constant travel made it difficult to maintain a healthy balance between my personal and professional life. I craved stability and predictability.
• Pursuing personal passions: My time with SIA allowed me to discover new interests and passions I wanted to pursue further, interests that were incompatible with the demands of air travel.
• Career advancement opportunities: While SIA offered career progression, I felt limited in my opportunities for growth and wanted to explore other fields.
• Family considerations: The desire to start a family and be more present in the lives of loved ones played a significant role in my decision.

Leaving such a prestigious job was emotionally challenging. There was uncertainty, fear of the unknown, and a sense of loss in leaving a close-knit community. However, I knew deep down it was the right decision.

Forging a New Path: The Transition and New Career

Transitioning from an SIA air stewardess to my current role as a project manager required careful planning and execution:

• Skill development: I enrolled in a project management course, bolstering my existing skills and acquiring new certifications.
• Networking: Leveraging my extensive network of colleagues and contacts proved invaluable in securing interviews and gaining insights into new career paths.
• Job searching: I actively sought opportunities that aligned with my transferable skills and career goals.
• Further education: The project management course was crucial in formalizing my existing skills and enhancing my employability.
• Leveraging transferable skills: My experience in customer service, communication, problem-solving, and time management were highly transferable to my new career.

My current role provides significantly improved work-life balance and allows me to utilize the numerous transferable skills gained during my time as an SIA air stewardess. These include:

• Specific skills used in my new career: My communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills are integral to my success as a project manager.
• Job satisfaction: I find my current work deeply rewarding and fulfilling.
• Career progression: My new career path allows for greater advancement opportunities.
• Work-life balance improvements: I now enjoy a significantly better work-life balance, allowing more time for personal pursuits.

The transition wasn't without its challenges. Financial adjustments were necessary, and adapting to a new work environment took time. However, maintaining a positive mindset and seeking support from my network were instrumental in my success.

Skills Transferable from an SIA Air Stewardess Career

The skills gained as an SIA air stewardess are surprisingly versatile and applicable to many industries. They include:

• Excellent communication skills: Interacting with diverse passengers requires clear and concise communication.
• Strong customer service skills: Providing exceptional customer service is paramount in the airline industry.
• Adaptability: Handling unexpected situations and adapting to constantly changing environments are crucial skills.
• Problem-solving skills: Effectively resolving passenger issues requires quick thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Teamwork abilities: Working collaboratively with a flight crew is essential for a successful flight.
• Time management: Managing multiple tasks efficiently is a critical skill.
• Cross-cultural awareness: Interacting with individuals from various cultural backgrounds fosters cross-cultural understanding.
• Resilience under pressure: Maintaining composure and professionalism under pressure is vital.

Conclusion

My journey as a former SIA air stewardess has been one of incredible highs and challenging lows. Leaving a glamorous career to pursue a different path wasn’t easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. The experience instilled in me invaluable skills—communication, adaptability, problem-solving—that have proven transferable to my new career. The most important takeaway is that the skills and experiences gained in one career can be valuable assets in building a fulfilling future in another. If you're a former SIA air stewardess contemplating your next chapter, or anyone facing a career transition, remember your skills and experiences are valuable assets in building a fulfilling future. Share your story and inspire others to embrace their own next chapter! #FormerSIAAirStewardess #CareerTransition #NewBeginnings #SingaporeAirlines #AviationCareer