Juggling family responsibilities with the demanding and irregular schedule of a flight attendant career can feel like an impossible task at times. However, with commitment to open communication, flexibility, and quality time together, male flight attendants can find balance that allows for maintaining both a fulfilling career and healthy relationships at home. Here are some tips.
Explain scheduling constraints and be transparent. Ensuring family understands scheduling realities up front will prevent unrealistic expectations later on (Adkins & Premeaux, 2012). Communicate about block time, days off rotations, etc. Compromise on scheduling shared activities during time off together.
Make the most of time at home. When schedules align for days off at home, focus fully on family without distractions. Put away devices, participate in activities and nurture emotional bonds through quality interaction. Even short periods together can create lasting memories if presence is given fully (Harrington et al., 2011).
Schedule dedicated partner/family time. Carve out a regular time each week, even if it's just 30 minutes, solely for connecting with partner or children. This shows commitment to relationship health despite constraints. Video calls can help fill in gaps on longer trips away (Hill et al., 2018).
Rely on support networks. Enlisting help from extended family or close friends for childcare or other responsibilities during trips allows partner relief from solo parenting demands. Generosity and cooperation within support systems eases pressure on relationships (Masterson et al., 2014).
Be a present parent. When home, complete non-negotiable parenting tasks with full attention such as preparations, bedtimes, meals. Avoid checking phones or multi-tasking but fully immerse in quality moments together. This faithful involvement counteracts absence impacts (Wall & Arnold, 2007).
Maximize technology. Video calls, shared photos, frequent texts support emotional bonds even over distances. Children and partners appreciate regular contact however brief through current technology. Scheduling brief calls on certain days/times establishes consistency (Dill & Faulkner, 2015).
Express gratitude. Verbalize appreciation to partner and family for understanding work demands as well as support received. Flight attendants should reflect genuine thanks to bolster commitment perceptions at home during career challenges (Powell & Greenhaus, 2010).
With proactive communication, compromise and thoughtful planning, male flight attendants can maintain successful careers alongside fulfilling personal lives and relationships by prioritizing quality time together whenever possible. Finding equilibrium takes effort but allows maximizing life satisfactions amidst Industry demands.
References
Adkins, C. L., & Premeaux, S. F. (2012). Spending time: The impact of hours worked on work-family conflict. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 80(2), 380-389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2011.09.003
Dill, J. C., & Faulkner, A. E. (2015). Promoting healthy relationships in military families: Insights from family science and social science research. A report prepared for the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy. RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR849.html
Harrington, B., Van Deusen, F., & Ladge, J. (2010). The new dad: Exploring fatherhood within a career context. Boston College Center for Work & Family. https://www.bc.edu/content/dam/files/centers/cwf/pdf/FH-Studies/BCCWF_The%20New%20Dad_Study_2010.pdf
Hill, E. J., Erickson, J. J., Holmes, E. K., & Ferris, M. (2010). Workplace flexibility, work hours, and work-life conflict: Finding an extra day or two. Journal of Family Psychology, 24(3), 349-358. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019282
Masterson, C. R., MavriPlavres, D., Kerstetter, K., Mitchneck, B., & Hyle, A. (2014). An explorer's guide to 'family': Developing a family systems perspective for extension educators. Journal of Extension, 52(2). https://archives.joe.org/joe/2014april/a4.php
Powell, G. N., & Greenhaus, J. H. (2010). Sex, gender, and the work-to-family interface: Exploring negative and positive interdependencies. The Academy of Management Journal (AMJ), 53(3), 513-534. https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2010.51468647
Wall, G., & Arnold, S. (2007). How involved is involved fathering? An exploration of the contemporary culture of fatherhood. Gender & Society, 21(4), 508-527. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0891243207304973
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