“Thankyou so much for this opportunity. I’m excited to get started.”
“You’re welcome. You’ll receive an email with the next steps within the hour. Welcome to Sable Airlines. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“You do the same. Thank you again.”
I ended the call and released a deep breath, taking a moment to let the news sink in. I’d just been officially hired as a flight attendant for Sable Airlines, a Black-owned airline, after a lengthy interview and training process.
“I did it! I did it! I did it!” I shouted as I praise danced through my apartment.
When I submitted the application, I had no idea what was in store. As I went through the unpaid, eight-week process, there were several times when I thought about quitting, but I was grateful I’d seen it through.
My phone vibrated, notifying me that I’d received an email. Before checking to see who it was from, I called my mother to tell my parents the news.
They owned a small construction company, and although my father didn’t do as much physical labor as he used to, he still oversaw the projects. My mother managed the office, and they were gracious enough to give me a part-time job after I was fired.
“Hey, sweetheart.”
“Hey, Ma. Is Daddy around?”
“Yeah. He’s right here.”
“Good. Can you put the phone on speaker?”
A few seconds later, she said, “You’re on speaker. Is everything okay?”
“Everything is perfect! I got the job!” I exclaimed.
“You got the job?” Ma squealed with just as much excitement as I had.
“Yes! I just got off the phone with them.”
“Congratulations, baby girl!” my father said.
“Thank you. I’m super excited but a little nervous, too. Even with all the training, I don’t know if I’m prepared.”
“You’ll do just fine. When do you start?” Ma asked.
“I’m not sure yet. They’re sending me an email with the details, so I’ll know everything soon.”
“I’m so excited for you, Khiya. You lost your job so unexpectedly, I was worried you wouldn’t bounce back,” she continued.
“I wasn’t. She’s a Reid. We always find a way and work best under pressure. We’ll miss you around the office, but I knew you wouldn’t be around for long,” Daddy added.
Four months ago, I walked into my job of ten years, in the finance department of a car dealership, and was let go. They told me the dealership wasn’t making enough money, and they had to downsize to remain open. I was offered eight weeks of severance pay, and they agreed to cover my health insurance for the same period.
It all sounded fishy to me, but I didn’t force the issue, because the last thing I wanted was to work somewhere I wasn’t wanted or welcome. A week later, I found out the owner’s granddaughter had graduated from college and needed a job, and he thought my job would be perfect for her.
“I was a little worried, too. I’ve worked there since graduating college, so the idea of starting over somewhere is scary.”
“Well, you conquered your fears, and now you're on a whole new path. We’re both very proud of you.”
“Thank you. That means a lot. I’m gonna call Blaine and give him the news.”
“Okay. We love you. Call us back with the details when you get them,” she said.
“Okay. Love y’all too.”
I ended the call with my parents and called my brother.
