Being a flight attendant is very much a way of life and not everyone is suited to it. For some it is a dream career whilst for others it's just a temporary summer job. The work can be very varied and not everyone's experience is the same, so let's look at some of the hardest things about being a flight attendant.
Recruitment process
It is very hard to get a job as a flight attendant. Each airline has very set requirements about what they are looking for and all of these have to be met before you even start your application. Then there are many processes to follow like doing online tests, a video interview, assessment days etc. If you pass these, there is the medical and background check to complete. Thousands of people apply to become a flight attendant, but only a small percentage actually make it through - less than 5% of all candidates.
Training days
The training is very tough and intense but, if you make it through, it's the best learning experience and you will gain lifelong skills. It is a stressful time, and has to be, because flight attendants may have to deal with an emergency and must be calm and focused in such an event. Not everyone survives training as some people realize it's not the job for them or they don't make the grade. No one forgets their first flight attendant training course!
Lifestyle
Working as cabin crew is very much a lifestyle, and you get used to working long hours at all times of day and night. But, because it is so unpredictable, you may well miss family occasions and will work when you would prefer to celebrate. Friends and family don't always understand and relationships outside of aviation can be complicated because they don't appreciate that flying for a living takes over your entire life. Dedicated cabin crew accept that and wouldn't change it for anything.
Salary
The uniform might look nice, and you may get a few decent layovers and possibly even staff travel, but the salary is on the low side. You certainly don't become a flight attendant for the money!
Health
It can be hard on the body after a few years of flying. Working at aircraft altitude is like working on the top of a mountain, so you have to be physically fit. You have to get used to working odd and conflicting hours and may be doing multi-sector days - all those take-offs and landings can have an effect on the body. Also, jet lag can really add up over time and has to be managed as best it can.
Career change
Once you have flown for a few years, it's very hard to do anything else. It becomes a very addictive lifestyle, and it is often hard to change careers. Most long-termers stay within the aviation industry for many years. Even though flight attendants have many transferable and useful skills, there is still a stigma about being a flight attendant, and it is hard to find work outside of aviation because most people think we are just a waitress/waiter in the sky.