Always On – But At What Cost?

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get said out loud enough in our world. I knew this was a problem but it’s much bigger than I even realized.

Since starting Maven, the responses I keep getting from CFAs and friends when I ask if they’re attending is, “I might have a trip, so I have to be on call.” so you can’t make any plans in case you have to fly? But the one that put me over the edge was: “I can’t, I don’t get any hard days off.” What do you mean you don’t get days off? It’s 2025—pardon my French—“For F&%$’s Sake!” Yes, this makes me angry, and it should make you angry too!

There are a lot of jobs that demand 24/7 availability—surgeons, CEOs, emergency responders, and yes, corporate flight attendants. We’re part of that group. Always reachable. Always ready.

And while there’s a certain pride in being the person who can handle anything, it comes at a cost.

Let me tell you a story.

I once flew a trip from Fort Lauderdale to L.A., then L.A. to Seoul, then Seoul to Sydney. let that sink in…. I’m not proud of it. Not to mention, no crew rest.

That’s about 24 hours in the air, crossing three continents—with two full pilot crew swaps along the way. Two entire flight crews rotated out… but I stayed on.

No break. No backup. No reset.

In what world is that okay?

But I didn’t know better. I didn’t feel empowered to speak up. I was afraid that if I said no, I’d lose the trip… or worse, stop getting calls altogether. So I stayed quiet. I stayed on. And I stayed exhausted. This was 12 years ago, and I’m still hearing similar stories of CFAs being exploited today, that’s unacceptable.

This industry has conditioned us to believe we’re lucky just to be here. That we’re supposed to say yes to everything. That boundaries make us “difficult.” But that mindset burns people out and drives them away.

We are some of the most caring, competent, adaptable professionals out there. And we deserve the same care and respect we give to everyone else.

So I’m asking—how do we change that?

We start by unlearning the hustle-for-worth mentality.

By recognizing that rest isn’t weakness.

By refusing to let fear dictate our boundaries.

It’s time to normalize saying “no,” prioritizing wellness, and asking for more—more support, more structure, more respect. I guarantee you, if the principals you flew knew you had no time off and are fatigued beyond belief, they wouldn’t want you on board their aircraft. If they do, time to look for a new job, you’ll thank me later.

Because if we don’t look out for ourselves… who will?

With honesty and heart,

Holly