Emirates Airlines flight attendant is flying in a new direction after redundancy as a carer with Radfield Home Care in Stamford

This time last year Emma Capon was living a cosmopolitan lifestyle travelling the world as a flight attendant for Emirates Airlines.

Like the rest of us, she had no idea the coronavirus pandemic was about to turn her world upside down. But once the spread of covid was understood, all flights were grounded and Emma faced months at home.

In June, she received the news she had been dreading - she was being made redundant after six years working with the Dubai-based firm.

“I was completely devastated,” recalls Emma.

“I loved my life, I loved living in Dubai and I wasn’t ready to stop travelling. I felt completely lost.”

With no idea of her next steps, Emma, 32, returned to her parents’ home in Peterborough in September and spent her two weeks in self-isolation reflecting on what her next career move might be.

As someone who had always loved interacting with people, she knew a job working from home was not going to be for her - and having completed weeks of studying for her flight attendant role, she wanted a role where she could learn on the job.

“People had mentioned in the past that I would do well with caring,” said Emma. “I have a lot of empathy and I have always enjoyed going the extra mile for people. I used to love going to see my grandparents when I was younger and helping them out.

“Once I looked into it, I realised it was something I could really see myself going into.”

Within three days of contacting Great Casterton-based Radfield Home Care Stamford, Peterborough and Rutland, she had secured herself a role. Following an interview with owner James Beech, he said the firm was “lucky to have her because she is caring, reliable and professional”.

Emma’s skill at caring for people in business class onboard luxury flights is now being used in a very different way - as a key worker caring for elderly people who needsupport during the pandemic.

Emma said: “I realised I already knew all about customer service, hospitality and working with people.

“I had even learned first aid and handled medication when people boarded flights with health conditions. I think the experiences I built up over my life have led up to what I’m doing now.

“I’m a very empathetic person as well and I think that helps.”

Although she is only five months into her new role, Emma is already loving it and has earned her Care Certificate while learning on the job.

Looking back, Emma says her roles have always involved caring for people in some way - before working for Emirates Airlines, she was a beauty therapist on cruise ships.

And she says there is more to being a flight attendant than people might think.

“You’re not just a waitress in the sky,” laughs Emma. “You have to know so much and I was really surprised.

“But as a flight attendant my lifestyle was very unhealthy and I always knew that Emirates Airlines was not a forever job - you do it for a short time.

“I wasn’t ready to make the move away from it and I was devastated when it happened, but redundancy has pushed me into something completely new.

“Now I love that every day is different.

“As a care professional, you build a rapport with people.

“You look forward to seeing them and they look forward to seeing you. I also like getting out and about and driving between visits.”

And despite being plunged into the role at the height of a pandemic, Emma says she has no regrets.

“It is a really important role and I feel like I am helping people when they need it most.”

Emma has shared her experience to inspire others who may have found themselves in similar situations as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“At first, when you lose your job, you feel lost and angry. But you have to keep telling yourself that it has happened for a reason. Day by day, things do get better.”

For more information on the services that Radfield Home Care provides, and career opportunities, visit www.radfieldhomecare.co.uk or call 01780 755722.