More Than Qualified: A Reminder of Our Power, Presence, and Worth
- Toni T. Gibson
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
by Toni Gibson, Contributing Writer
Let this be your unapologetic reminder: you already have everything within you to obtain whatever it is you need or desire.
When you are not signed in for a flight, your absence is felt. There is power in that. An aircraft cannot board or fly without meeting minimum flight-crew requirements. While the flight deck is essential to movement, without flight attendants, there are no passengers. And passengers equal revenue.
Yet the disparity in earnings between flight attendants and the flight deck remains abysmal—even though we operate on the same aircraft, within the same system, and under the same risks. Profits are generated through the passenger experience, and too often, those profits fly right over us.
We are frequently inundated with societal norms and the opinions of others that live rent-free in our minds. We give far more than we take and are left feeling guilty when we finally tend to our own needs instead of demanding more. From a young age, many of us were conditioned to place the needs of others before our own.
While selflessness can be admirable, it should never come at the expense of self-care.
Sometimes, we are not okay—and that, in itself, is okay.
As women.
As wives.
As mothers.
As matriarchs.
We are expected to be superhuman, yet our breaking points are often overlooked. We march on—uninhibited and strong—even while carrying emotional labor that is unseen and unacknowledged. As flight attendants, we wait patiently for better contracts and livable wages while our counterparts in the flight deck are applauded for paid holidays and public praise. We shoulder the weight of social causes, personal drama, dreams, and losses—often absorbing the emotional burdens of others with little regard for our own well-being.
And yet, we persist.
But upon recognizing this gross oversight, we owe it to ourselves to reclaim and protect our health, wealth, and happiness. We only get one shot at living our best life. While pouring into others, we must remember to save some of that magic for ourselves.
It is well past time to step aside and allow others to fight their own battles. It is time to stop giving our energy to causes, systems, and spaces that do not align with our values or our purpose. From the flight deck to the boardroom, we remain grossly underrepresented—yet we are the catalysts. We are the face of what sells seats, builds loyalty, and sustains profits.
It’s time we acknowledge our worth, even when others refuse to see it.
We labor tirelessly to achieve our goals while working multiple jobs, running households, providing emotional support, and championing causes that make life better for everyone else. We are society’s shoulder to lean on—the trusted confidante who wipes away tears, holds hands, and offers encouragement when it is needed most.
And still, we can be the least respected, the least protected, and the most neglected.
Let this be clear: this is not a call for aid. It is a reminder of our power. Our resilience. Our influence.
We owe it to ourselves—and to the future—to ensure that we are not only seen but heard.
You are more than a footnote in someone else’s story.
Throughout history, we have been the changemakers, the inspiration behind great causes, and the steady support behind the scenes. Now it is time to step out from behind the curtain, take the lead, and claim peace and prosperity for ourselves.
Realign with what makes your heart happy and your soul soar. Take risks. Make plans that move forward—even if no one else buys in.
We have waited. We have clapped. We have supported.
Now it is time to show the world exactly what you want them to see.
Take your rightful place.
We’ve earned it.
After all—we are more than QUALIFIED. ✈️✨
About the Contributing Writer
Toni has been a Dallas–Fort Worth–based flight attendant for the past four years and currently resides in Celina, Texas, with her husband, Dewayne, and their three children. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she has called North Texas home for more than 20 years.
A graduate of Purdue University, Toni also holds an MBA in Business Administration from Keller. She is a proud member of Sigma Kappa Psi Sorority and brings a rich background in creative writing and journalism, having served as a staff writer for two independent newspapers. Her professional experience also spans elementary education, early childhood program leadership as a licensed director, mortgage banking, and healthcare administration.
Beyond her career, Toni shares a monthly self-reflective mantra newsletter on her social media platforms, inspiring others through words and perspective. She is also working toward her private pilot’s license and enjoys building flight hours whenever possible. In her free time, she finds joy in golf, line dancing, cooking, reading, hosting, and making lasting memories with her family while traveling the world.
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