Extra shifts can help you hit your goals faster. Here's how to choose them wisely so the extra money doesn't cost you your health or your home life.
One of the best things about airline work is that there are often extra shifts available. Coworkers want to give away days, busy seasons need more hands, and picking up hours can help you pay down a bill, save for a trip or build a cushion. But extra shifts have a cost too. Done without a plan, they can leave you exhausted, sore and missing the people you're working for. Here's how to make extra hours count.
Picking up shifts "just because" is how people burn out. Decide what the extra money is for and how much you need. Maybe it's a car repair, a holiday trip or an emergency fund. A clear goal tells you how many extra shifts you actually need, and when you can stop. Once you hit it, it's okay to take a break.
Not every extra shift pays the same. Some may count toward overtime, some may not, and rules differ by employer and work group. Before you load up your schedule, learn how overtime, premium pay and pick-ups work where you are. Your contract, your HR team or your union rep can explain it. Knowing the rules helps you choose the shifts that are worth it most.
A good extra shift is one you can work well. Some questions to ask yourself before you say yes:
Try to keep at least one real day off each week where you don't work and don't think about work. Rest is what lets you show up safely for the shifts you've committed to. If you notice you're more tired, short-tempered or making small mistakes, that's a sign you've stacked too much.
It can be hard to turn down extra money, or to say no to a coworker who needs help. But saying no is part of doing this job for the long haul. A tired crew member is more likely to get hurt or make a mistake on the ramp. It's better to say no up front than to pick up a shift and then call out of it later.
When you take on extra shifts, it's easy to lose track. Write them down or keep them on your calendar. Always make sure each pick-up goes through your airline's official scheduling system, because a shift that isn't official doesn't count. After it's approved, check your schedule to confirm it's there. Our Trading 101 guide explains how to make it official.
More shifts mean more lifting, more walking and more time in the weather. Stretch, drink water and pay attention to how you feel. Our guide to protecting your back and body covers the basics.
In TakeMyShift, you can see open shifts posted by coworkers in your same position at your base and turn on text alerts so you hear about new ones right away. Pick the ones that fit your life, and skip the rest. It's free. Read the app guide.
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