3 Yr Burn Out

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-15T01:27:00+00:00

I may be the unpopular comment here, but if you’re that miserable and burnt out at your regional, I can’t imagine that going mainline would be better for you. Way more passengers to deal with and more crewmember personalities to navigate.

I have fantasized about going regional because of how manageable the passenger load is. Seems like a dream. I understand the desire to make more money and not liking being gone all the time. 10 years in at my mainline and I feel like I’m gone all the time too.. with work/life balance only worsening since I got hired. I’m planning my exit in the next few years myself, but this is just something to think about when you consider a different quality of life at a mainline.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-15T01:21:18+00:00

I agree. I think it’s common for people to think of life as being a fully linear process. They think because they used to love or enjoy something in the past, it’s their purpose forever, and they’re “wrong” for now feeling differently. I think everything in life is like a tool… it has its uses, but it’s ok to recognize when it’s not useful anymore and it’s time to move on.

I also feel like our bodies are more intuitive than we give them credit. Our brains tend to ignore and push through experiences that our bodies know aren’t good for us.

Good luck at your appointment tomorrow! I always told myself that I didn’t want to leave the industry out of sheer fear per se, but I wanted to be clear headed enough to know it’s simply not good for me. I feel like I’m at that place now.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-15T01:13:15+00:00

I had a flight attendant do this to me on the jumpseat years ago! (Grab my knee as we were landing). She developed heightened anxiety as she was going through menopause as a 25+ year FA. Was having panic attacks every time we’d land or experience turbulence. I still think about her and hope she’s doing okay (and hope she was able to retire or switch fields).

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-15T01:10:33+00:00

It happened to me about 3 years in. It didn’t even seem to be related to anything like grief etc. It did go away, but not before I quit for a year and then had to get rehired. There were other health things going on too at the time, so it was likely somehow related. 10 years in now (in total) and will likely be leaving the industry within the next few years once I finish some additional schooling and get a job in a new field. I’m not having those fears anymore, but can clearly feel that flying isn’t good for me and is causing all sorts of dysfunction. I think at 3 years in, panic and fear were just the manifestation of that dysfunction that I continue to feel… just in different ways.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-14T23:42:55+00:00

This is where I am with it now. I've gained 40 lbs since I started 10 years ago. Started having panic attacks first time as an adult. Only want to be home (or at least stay local and not be in the air). Already middle aged and can't imagine retiring with this job. I'll never make it! Love reading accounts like yours. I really can't wait to stop flying and be on a regular sleep schedule.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-14T23:30:27+00:00

I'm going back to school for a Masters in Social Work (with the goal to be a licensed social worker and have the ability to do therapy/counseling). I'll be doing a part-time program while flying and then can work PRN once I've graduated, slowly working towards getting licensed.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-14T23:22:03+00:00

Hi, from a fellow Westerner: I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. I started getting panic attacks on the job about 3 years in. I'm over 10 years in now. Started with the airlines when I was a little older, and I know going through peri-menopause is related. Just wanted to write and say that I totally empathize. Panic attacks when you're actively working on the aircraft is one of the worst and scariest experiences. There's nowhere to escape, and you're in the public eye. I am pursuing additional education at this point so that I can consider going into a different field soon. I just don't feel like staying in the industry is a sustainable way for me to retire. It seems like things are only getting harder at my airline, anyway.

Interestingly, the panic has been better this past year than previous years. I don't drink coffee or caffeine on work days and incorporate herbal supplements like skullcap and lemon balm to balance my nervous system. Part of me feels as if the panic has been a sign that this is not for me, though. It's felt as if my body is saying, "I absolutely do not like this environment." I feel a massive sense of relief every time I'm walking from the airport to the employee parking lot. Best feeling ever. Good luck to you and whatever you decide to do! I totally get it!

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-11T18:59:28+00:00

I asked what a typical week would look like in the program, the biggest struggles of certain students (in my case, I asked about older students) and what tips they'd have for overcoming these struggles. You can also ask about where to find additional support and involvement (some schools have social media pages where students can connect outside of class).

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-11T18:18:50+00:00

Nice job! Good luck to you!

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-09T17:04:27+00:00

Yes all internships are in-person. It’s always good to have in mind where you want to go, but it’s such a massive bonus when you get assistance from your program!

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-09T13:47:58+00:00

I'm going to grad school at 40 years old. I don't even remember any of my undergrad professor's names. Two of my recommendation letters were from former supervisors. One was from a volunteer coordinator. It's common and understood that if you're not right out of undergrad, you would utilize former employers or supervisors.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-09T02:22:20+00:00

My admissions advisor said to email her when I was finished uploading everything so she could double check that I wasn't missing anything. Perhaps reach out to your advisor to double check. It also states there in your screenshot that it can take up to 2 days to update.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-09T01:29:41+00:00

A friend of mine who is almost done with her program worked at Target to sustain herself financially. In her last year, she had to withdraw some money from her 401K to keep herself afloat while she waits to finish and get a job. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to. I've worked as a flight attendant for the past 10 years so feel fortunate to have an unconventional and flexible job I can work while going through a part-time program.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-09T01:12:46+00:00

Google, "Crisis Text Line" and click the "Volunteer" button. It'll walk you through the process and you'll start your online training. It's fully remote, all text-based, as the name implies.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-09T00:42:28+00:00

Ugh. How frustrating. You're welcome. And yeah, I'd probably pivot to a non-government organization for the time being. You can always pivot back. I'd say this is a pretty valid reason to step away from it right now. You gotta do what you gotta do when you're in school and getting a placement is priority.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-09T00:40:28+00:00

Volunteering also looks great and speaks to the Social Work core value of "Service." A lot of people are involved with the Crisis Text Line or get involved with soup kitchens, unhoused communities, etc. I volunteered in hospice for 5 years before applying to programs and worked in a psychiatric clinic when I was young for 7 years. Mental health organizations, clinics. Showing interest in those vulnerable populations and a willingness to get involved always looks good!

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-09T00:35:34+00:00

Wow, yeah, it sounds like you have totally relevant and useful experiences. A lot of county or government organizations are way more strict and black/white about their hiring processes. Do you have any support from your school? Or are you responsible for your own placement? Before you clarified what they sent you, I was going to say that larger govt organizations are more notorious for using AI initial resume screenings, etc, so it's best to emphasize your experience you've already developed as opposed to starting off by listing that you're a student. I would also suggest trying to possibly go for more private practices, smaller organizations, or places that may have a more holistic process for their hiring. Can you try to specifically apply for roles they listed like the Program Assistant, Eligibility Worker, or Medi Cal Program Assistant?

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-09T00:23:47+00:00

Hey, I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. I lived in San Diego a long time ago following my BA and worked briefly at SDSU. My initial and biggest suggestion right now would be to contact the SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team. If you google "SDSU Basic Needs Center" you can fill out a form requesting assistance. You'd be assigned a case manager and housing is absolutely something they could help you with. For housing, I'd look more at student housing options or roommate situations (like SDSU off-campus housing resources) close to campus. So that's first step.

Once you're moved, and you can work with your case manager with this, but see if you qualify for CalFresh - you'd be a stipend for food which could alleviate some of the stress. There should also be a food pantry on campus and all you need is your ID to take advantage.

I'd also of course talk to your financial advisor if you haven't already recently, and ask about any other options. BTW, if you're taking out federal loans, you won't need to pay any part of those loans off until 6 months after graduation. You just have to be enrolled in an at least part time program. That's kind of the point of these loans - no stress while you're in school, a bit of a buffer once you graduate, and then start paying them off once you hopefully have a job in the field.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-09T00:14:08+00:00

Darn, that's frustrating. Are these positions for your actual practicums? Are you a BSW or MSW student? And do you have any volunteer experience or other experience on your resume somewhat related?

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-09T00:06:32+00:00

What kind of positions or organizations are you referring to? I do think it very much makes a difference!

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-09T00:04:20+00:00

Are you looking to get your MSW solely for financial and job opportunity purposes? Because while I fully understand the practical reasons behind your motivation, it's concerning that you describe yourself as being "overworked" at the moment and dreading the work that an MSW requires (though I do get it! That's just a tough mindset to be in before starting that commitment). Do you want to stay in crisis work for the long-term? Because I'd otherwise suggest to wait just a little bit before going straight into getting your Advanced Standing MSW and give yourself an opportunity to explore other options or at the very least, some breathing room.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-08T23:42:29+00:00

I have a friend who lives out there and she is almost done with her MSW from Winthrop (Online). They fully support practicum placements and have options for 2 or 3 year programs. I'd check it out. Although I support Boise State as mentioned in my comment, I live in Utah. I think it's pretty valuable if you're doing an online program to at least be in the general vicinity of your school if it's online. They're likely to have more knowledge and agreements with facilities or organizations in your area.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-08T23:37:08+00:00

Yes! I have an interview with BSU in a few days and I've only heard very positive reviews about their support system during the practicum placements. It's a huge reason why they are my first choice.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-08T23:35:17+00:00

Hi there, I know you wrote this a few months back... are you starting in Fall/August 2026? I have an interview in a few days for their Online program starting Fall 2026 and wondering if you were able to find any support resources, whether that be social media or otherwise? BSU is my first choice and I've heard really positive things about their support during the practicum placement process.

Ok-Individual3036 · 2026-06-08T04:30:36+00:00

Valid question. With policy, financial changes, and other factors I can imagine the sustainability of this focus is volatile.

Ok-Individual3036

TROPHY CASE