A woman quits her dream career as a flight attendant and switches to working at McDonald’s, revealing she now makes more money than before.
The Glamour vs. reality of being a flight attendant
Many dream of becoming flight attendants, envisioning free travel and a glamorous lifestyle. However, the reality can be far from ideal.
On social media, Saffron Laszkowicz, a former Ryanair flight attendant, shared her story on TikTok, revealing why she left her “dream job” for McDonald’s.
Her journey highlights the financial struggles and stress many flight attendants face, despite the job’s perceived allure.
Saffron’s career shift: From skies to fast food
Saffron began working at McDonald’s during the COVID-19 lockdown in December 2020, earning good money with 50+ hour weeks.
In May 2022, she pursued her dream of becoming a flight attendant, quitting McDonald’s to complete six weeks of training.
However, she soon realized the pay was significantly lower, prompting her to return to McDonald’s part-time in October 2022.
Why McDonald’s offered a better life
Saffron found herself earning more at McDonald’s while juggling part-time shifts as a flight attendant to make ends meet.
She eventually quit Ryanair, citing low pay and stress, and returned to McDonald’s full-time, where she now enjoys better work-life balance.
In a TikTok video, she explained, “I’m earning the same, if not more, for much less stress.”
The Perks of working at McDonald’s
Saffron highlighted several benefits of her McDonald’s job, including paid breaks, free meals, and flexible hours.
She also appreciated the shorter commute and more time to spend with family and focus on personal growth.
Her story resonated with many, sparking conversations about the challenges of working in the aviation industry.
Changing stores but staying with mcdonald’s
In August 2023, she posted an update. She had already worked at three different McDonald’s locations in three years.
She laughed at the situation, joking, “I never would have believed you if, three years ago, you told me I’d be here working my dream job—because I’m not.”
The video showed her transformation from her blue and yellow Ryanair uniform to her grey McDonald’s outfit.
Support from the online community
Saffron faced criticism for her career switch but received overwhelming support from TikTok users who understood her decision.
One user commented that People don’t realize how bad flight attendants get paid. That’s why I haven’t left retail for it yet.
Another shared a similar experience, stating: I literally made more at Maccies than Ryanair as well.
One person said: You might get that amount of money, but what will the amount of hours of work will you get?
A second wrote: Something is not right. The perks of being a flight attedant would be more than McDonalds pays. Respectfully she may have been hired but failed the training class unless she was part time with a small carrier and not getting enough flight hours in.
While a third commented: Good luck to her!
Another added: The salary for cabin staff depends on the airline. Budget airlines pay less because they are a cheap budget airline.
Saffron’s story is a reminder that career success isn’t always about prestige but about finding what works best for you.
Her journey inspires others to rethink societal expectations and pursue paths that align with their needs and goals.