Of course you'll get mixed messages, everyone's experience is different and it certainly will depend on your attitude and your seniority. That's what it's all about. Your first question should be about reserve and how often and how long it is. Secondly, depends on how often is "often", but I'd say don't count on anything the first months or even a year. Your destinations and schedule will not be your own for a good while. No make-up allowance, no food allowance except on layovers. Food is easy to shop for in Doha but as a strict vegetarian you may have some difficulty with food on the plane and/or layover hotels. Take what everyone says with a grain of salt but if it rings true, start listening. If you are a very anxious person who really likes to be in control and gets homesick easily - this job is not for you. If you are laid-back and go with the flow and wherever the wind takes you and really do get along with people, come on over to Doha. You are young, and it's a good experience. Unlike those who work for many of the major European or American carriers, I wouldn't expect you to make a life-long career out of this, not enough pay, too much hassle. But if you are young you can put up with it for the life-style and benefits.
Mandi
Of course you'll get mixed messages, everyone's experience is different and it certainly will depend on your attitude and your seniority. That's what it's all about. Your first question should be about reserve and how often and how long it is. Secondly, depends on how often is "often", but I'd say don't count on anything the first months or even a year. Your destinations and schedule will not be your own for a good while. No make-up allowance, no food allowance except on layovers. Food is easy to shop for in Doha but as a strict vegetarian you may have some difficulty with food on the plane and/or layover hotels. Take what everyone says with a grain of salt but if it rings true, start listening. If you are a very anxious person who really likes to be in control and gets homesick easily - this job is not for you. If you are laid-back and go with the flow and wherever the wind takes you and really do get along with people, come on over to Doha. You are young, and it's a good experience. Unlike those who work for many of the major European or American carriers, I wouldn't expect you to make a life-long career out of this, not enough pay, too much hassle. But if you are young you can put up with it for the life-style and benefits.
Mandi