It sounds fancy and a bit glamorous, right? Working as a flight attendant, always somewhere new, exploring cities, countries, and cultures. Meeting people from all walks of life. Serving with elegance and a smile.
I was lucky enough to travel quite a bit when I was young. My parents and grandparents would always take me along on their Christmas and New Year trips. We went to Goa, India several times — the first time when I was only five. They loved it. For them, traveling wasn’t just about escaping the cold, it was about discovering new cultures. They always preferred quieter spots, away from the crowds.
What I remember most from those trips wasn’t just the destination — it was the plane. The ride to the airport was the best part. I’d be so excited, and I’d always admire the flight attendants.
In early 2022, I started thinking more seriously about it. I’d hit a bit of a plateau in my career and couldn’t really see a future in what I was doing. I wanted a change — a drastic one. So I started researching what I needed to improve my chances of getting into aviation, updated my CV, and worked from there.
And in August 2023, I got the call. I’d been offered a job in the UAE. At the time, I was working in Greece for the summer and was actually pretty excited about heading to Phuket, Thailand, with my current company for the winter season. But I knew this new opportunity was something bigger. So I packed my bags, made a quick stop at home in Finland to grab a few more things, and flew off to Abu Dhabi.
Two years as a flight attendant now — and I’ve seen things, and places, I never would’ve seen if I had stayed where I was. I moved abroad for the first time at 18, and honestly, I’ve never really looked back or regretted it.
But lately, I’ve noticed something. Every time I go home and then leave again, it feels a little emptier. The homesickness hits a bit harder. At the same time, I don’t really see myself building a life back home. I think I’ve come to understand that “home” isn’t always a place — it’s what you make it. It can be anywhere, as long as you’re surrounded by the right people.
Still, for me, family will always be that safe place — the one constant. A space where I can relax, without pressure or judgment. And I’m so grateful for that. I know not everyone has that kind of home, and I don’t take it for granted.
Living out of a suitcase might sound exciting, and it is, in many ways. My best friend back home always tells me how brave I am, how I seem fearless. And I appreciate that. But not everyone would choose this life. For some, stability and security are what matter most, and I get that more now, with time. But my heart still pulls me toward the unknown. I guess I’ve been chasing something, not just places on a map, but moments that feel meaningful, people that leave an imprint, and experiences that stretch who I am.
Sometimes, I wonder if I’ll ever settle down fully — or if I’m meant to keep moving. And maybe that’s okay. Maybe life isn’t always about having it all figured out, but about living in the in-between.
I’ve learned that bravery doesn’t always feel like courage — sometimes it feels like loneliness, sometimes like freedom. But most of all, it feels like growth.
So for now, I’ll keep exploring, new cities, new countries, and also myself. And wherever I go, I’ll always carry a piece of “home” with me — in my suitcase, in my memories, and in the people who remind me who I am.
Safe journey to you all. 🤍
