Question for Emirates Pilots with Wife and Kids only please

[DirectDIKAS]

Hi there, having my 3000 hours jet time, Im *considering* Emirates, I have a wife and 2 young children, The eldest due to start school next year, the younger is only 1, and Im wondering if you move over to Dubai with wife and kids, how is it after the initial Emirates glamour and perks have become the norm?

I know as a family you get a villa, are these good?

How happy is your wife and kids with the lifestyle over there?

Id be interested to hear both good and bad sides of the argument.

Many thanks in advance

[Mr Good Cat]

http://www.pprune.org/middle-east/452221-question-emirates-please-dont-merge-into-one-size-fits-all-thread-2.html

[Swansafa]

...and then summer arrives.

[DirectDIKAS]

Seaman, thanks soo much for a totally excellent reply,you list many things all of which have gone through my mind, Ive been trying to see beyond the honeymoon peroid, like you say everything is exciting and bright lights initially but once you go beyond that, you still have to live there and your a dam long way from home. Also I didnt realise that the FO salary didnt stretch that far, it must be expensive over there!

Im not convinced that Dubal is for us as a family, as much as Im not a fan of my current LCC, for now it works, however that might all change with command which is looming as theyll send me overseas anyway, somewhere like the canaries. mmmmmmmmmmmmm lots to think about, thanks soo much for such a great insight to EK I really appreciate it

Cheers
DD

[captainsmiffy]

Seaman staynes speaks wise words; the key to it is wife happiness as was stated. Mine is a qualified nurse with lots of experience but she found it a major problem getting work and, without a role here, your spouse will find boredom setting in...

The F/Os salary can be a challenge at times, too. We have 3 kids and it is rather 'tight' at times.

Have you visited the place? Good time to come is now because the heat is winding up again and you will get a feel for the climate, which can be brutal in summer!

Overrall, so far (4 years in) the wife has found a role, the kids are happy (despite major anti-dubai feelings from our eldest prior to coming out - over it now and also happy) and we are getting on with life, but it is very different from home. My contract is not worth the paper it is written on and upgrade time is rather different to that which was hinted at in interview (I am looking at 7 years or so) but I have enjoyed my time thus far, having flown with a great bunch of guys to some great destinations (and to some rather crap ones too!). Fatigue is also a big enemy and, certainly on the 'bus, you often spend your precious time off just recovering from the previous nights turnaround. The company seems to go out of its way to bring morale down amongst the troops and have it down to a fine art - which is a pity because I have often said that this could be the best flying job in the world, if only it were allowed to be.....they have yet to learn that a happy, smiling workforce will improve the bottom line no end but, as a 'bean-counter' is unable to put a figure onto this morale thing then things are not going to change here in the near future. Shame, for them and for us.

Sorry, that last paragraph was a bit of a ramble!! Good luck with yuor soul-searching.

[CS-CCO]

If you have the chance to "take" the Canaries" then, go for it! You'll be a king there.

Eitherway the advise of visiting the places before committing sounds wise.

[GlueBall]

Not to forget that the weather may be an issue. . .43c in a sand oasis. For some folks, Dubai in summer becomes an air-conditioned nightmare.

[Microburst2002]

DIREKTdikas

Canaries?

You mean the "fortunate islands"?
West of Sahara?

I am spanish, which influences my opinion, but let me tell you:

In the Canaries you and your family would be much much happier. much much much, I would add.
Dubai is cool, but this is Arabia. The Canaries is Spain, which is almost Europe. Its people is nice and relaxed. Prices are low, less taxes, very high quality of life. Mild nice weather all throughout the year. Latitude is Sahara's, but the Ocean provides moderate temperatures and humidity.

There are so many stupid things in Spain! but nowhere near the things you will find here. The canaries is a paradise that I lost when my beloved charter airline went bankrupt.

which airline is that that has positions available in the canaries? May I apply?
im a 320 driver, Fo

cheers

[Kempus]

Following this thread with interest as I'm in the same boat and would agree that it will be the missus that could make a move to Dubai a great move or the biggest regret!

Can I just ask though what the furnishing is like if you take the company stuff? They show you an unfurnished villa and then an apartment with too much furniture in it that looks dated.

Trying to keep everyone happy so what are your comments on it. If it "keeping up with the jone's" enough or just go buy your own?

Kempus

[777boyindubai]

Hi Kempus,

Here in Silicon Oasis, the furniture is adequate in terms of quantity but not great in terms of quality. And many of us have the same stuff. I opted to bring a container out here which has made life a lot more bearable. EK depreciate the furniture value over 5 years. If you leave, you can't just leave the furniture as they will ask you to pay the % back.

If you plan to stay a while, I suggest you bring your own stuff as a first case scenario. If not, check out a site called dubizzle which is like exchange and mart for second hand stuff as there are lots of people coming and going here. The EK furniture route is my last choice.

Also, the houses are bigger than in the UK with taller ceilings and some big furniture can look quite nice.

I wish you well with your move if you decide to come.

[Microburst2002]

Silicon Oasis?

how long driving to DXB?

[Wizofoz]

Silicon Oasis?

how long driving to DXB?

15-20 mins.

Large, well stocked super-market just opened on site, 10 mins to a very good, full service Mall.

[squidward]

Anyone know the price of a container from Melbourne to Dubai?

How about using the furniture allowance to buy new furniture there, instead of shipping it all across?

[halas]

Have a look at a TV series called "Idiot Abroad" On Sky1

It's a based on a friend of Ricky Gervais and is a documentary of his (unwilling) travelling.

If you can relate to this guy....Then do not move to Dubai. Or anywhere!

halas

[DirectDIKAS]

Guys, thanks again for all these honest replys, the best way to judge something is hearing from guys who are living it, You are all making me think that the canaries might not be soo bad, in fact I might even like it after a while :} I guess the culture there would be "easier" (if thats the right word) than Dubai and whilst hot, not brutally hot. I have experienced heat in the 40's in Oz and have to say that at that level all you want to do is get out of it!

Probably best to roll with command and then reassess the whole market with PIC in the log book.

Thanks again to all for your input, most grateful
Cheers
DD

[Kempus]

Hi folks,

Thanks also for the replies and I think a container is going to be the way to go. Just one last question, with the unfurnished option are any white goods included? Can't remember what they said and it does they would take up a large percentage of the allowance.

DirectDikas good luck, I'm in the same postiton as you and probably for the same outfit. It's just time for me to move on and try another type of flying without the associated stressors that come with our company! Best of luck to you!

Kempus

[sheikhmahandy]

Kempus, If you take the furniture allowance, the only things in your apartment or villa when you arrive, is a telephone and an echo.:D
There is no other "white goods" not even a stove.......you are on your own to start to fit out your digs....EK used to provide a welcome pack though to get you through the first day or two.

A few years ago.......... OMG!:{ 7 years ago, a 20' container from OZ cost $7000 with Allied door to door. Had good service with them.

Good luck:ok:

[fjordviking]

Being an ex. EK driver myself I have to say that Seaman Staynes posts in this thread are well balanced and true.
Life is expensive with kids and a wife on FO salary.However if you are the outdoors/ camping type of family, life can be quite good in the winter months.
We had lot`s of camping trips in the desert and mountains in UAE and Oman.

It all depends on your situation and your expectations if you will be happy.
It helps to have thick skin.

[DirectDIKAS]

Cheers Kempus and best of luck to you, be sure to keep me posted on your experiences over there with the occasional PM, Ill hang fire for another bit and continue to watch the situation over there and back here, Its going to be Paddy Power for a bit longer - interesting place at the minute with all the pilot movements!

Good luck
DD

[Microburst2002]

good luck

ah, I forgot to mention another "pro" if you go the Canaries. Most of the times you fly (up and down) you will log between 5 to 9 hours depending on the destinations, because the Canaries are a bit far. Say average 7 hours. This means that you have a lot of days off even if you are rostered 90 hours every month! (and fewer sectors that in any base in the mainland for the same monthly hours)

PM me what is your airline (RYR maybe?), please. Maybe i could apply...

cheers

[tom14cat14]

I hope the OP doesn't mind me asking a question in his thread because it is related. I am at a regional airline in the US and it looks like i am at least a few(3+) years away from an upgrade. I am looking at applying to EK but i am concerned on one how i will handle the move and 2 how my family will. I have a 6 month old so i would think my wife would stay home with her until she is in school. She is currently a nurse so i am not sure what she would have to do to become a nurse there. But my main question is do you guys thing it would be worth it for me to come to EK when i know that my plan would be to come there for a few years and then try to get back to the majors in the states. I am thinking fo time in EK equipment is better then FO time in an RJ. I am also looking to make more money to pay student loans.

[vbrules]

Look seriously at divorce rate here in Dubai.
The job, the country, the conditions all contribute.
It has many of us sad people.
Think twice.

[White Knight]

Look seriously at divorce rate here in Dubai.

As much as I love VB the ale, I have to say that you're talking bollocks sunshine.... The divorce rate is probably about the same as the rest of the world! Where I live I can think of 3 breakups out of about 90 families over the last 8 plus years. That's far lower than the UK or US average of 30% divorce.

Before you chaps spout ****e, engage brain first before emotions:rolleyes::ugh::rolleyes::ugh::rolleyes::ugh:

[FUSE PLUG]

Tomcat check your private messages. I'll give you my take from someone in your shoes 3 years ago.

Señor Staynes, great post.

FP

[tom14cat14]

Thank you i await the pm i am looking for any and all advice on this.

[Bartholomew]

See the 3rd post, posted 2011.

Same scenario, only now 3700+ pilots, you will probably be put into some (apparently) nasty accommodation, and your money will go even-less further (if that makes sense) than it did 3 years ago.. (sorry man... too tired to try and find the correct analogy)

Life is expensive here, but it's all about comparisons....

And never, ever forget...

Happy wife, happy life!

Good luck man!

[Mindififlymanual]

How difficult is it to take your other half with you on trips? Is it something that is done often?

No kids but an easy wife (steady) whos up for an adventure. Considering a sandpit move

[Pilot_Recruit]

It's obviously load dependent, but other than that it's super easy. I've brought the mrs with me on quite a few trips and flown with a number of guys who have done the same.

[fliion]

Whitey,

You may be right as I don't have any stats to back it up BUT where I live it's been absolute carnage on the splitsville front...serious numbers.

f.

[givemewings]

If you take her on trips with you make sure she knows how to behave, there's a reason the WAGS have a rep onboard for being 'difficult'... :oh:

If you don't have one, watch out for the precious metal extractors... they have been particularly aggressive of late so I hear... :E

[buzzc152]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I'd like to know about living costs in DBX.
Please just the facts (I'm well aware of the overwhelming negative feelings on here toward EK and I sympathise).
I've read on this thread that life can be tough on a FO salary in DBX.....which surprised me a little. What are the expenses involved apart from food and entertainment (FO with wife and kids)? I thought housing and schooling was included ? On the surface it would seem that approx £5k/month would leave plenty to spare ?
Sorry if I've missing something here but uf someone could enlighten me I'd be grateful.

[lospilotos]

Of course you get by on a FO salary. Just don´t forget it will most likely be single income and schooling is "only" paid up to 90% of the cost. Getting by and having a comfortable livestyle? Of course? Buying luxury cars, having dinner every night at 5-star hotels and saving up for pension at the same time. No....

[CamelRustler]

I agree with Los. The things that caught us short were the food costs and schooling. Food bill went up 4x what it cost us in US. We eat lots of fresh fruit and veg which is UBER expensive here. If your family can get by on frozen you will save a bundle. It depends how many kids you have 1-3 kids are covered by EK after that it's outta pocket. Most schools have a waiting list (some for years) so if you join mid term it may be hard to find them a spot in a school close to Meydan. I would start another thread once you are hired asking for school ideas. You can easily spend more than a months salary on schooling costs, uniforms and extra curricular activities (ECA's). Set aside 2000 dhs. per child per term for ECA's. I would budget 1000 dhs for uniforms per child. If you have very young ones, their first year of schooling is not covered. That cost is usually between 24,000 and 36,000 dhs. There is a cap on what EK will pay for schooling and you may find you are paying several thousand pounds outta pocket. Cars are cheap and the gas was. The pay check does dwindle a lot faster than you think it will. And gets smaller every year. Make a budget and stick to it. I think a lot of people here fall into the trap of buying a flash car and going to brunches and dinners every week. FO pay WILL NOT support that. If as los said you are looking for comfortable with no frills then it works. Good luck.

[Caesar2005]

As prev mails said its tough, I am guessing ur RYR DD? i flew for them too and looking back, they are no angels but for me they were far better than here, just my experience. Long time to Command, no info from any mgmt, they are clueless or are not saying either way its terribly frustrating!

Work, a lot thru the night, far more tiring that earlies or late short haul, yes its tiring too but your own bed every night and 4 days off after every 5, that wont happen here, i have 8-9 off in 31 day mth!!! Also, family life, i miss seeing my kids everyday, missing B days, Xmas, no leave, and as pre have said very expensive, even if kids want to play football, extra cost, nothing is free, music lessons, getting kids extra to overcome language barriers all extra cost and with 3 kids it adds up rapid,

in general I yearn to go back to EU, less culture shock, driving, local attitude, arrogance all horrible, apart from that, nice sun winter only, 6 mth Dantes Inferno!!! apologies for the negative vibe with my post but unfortunately it is my opinion, not shared by all, good luck DD

[highfive]

Many on here stating get your rating, get your command then use it to move on. blah blah . To where and what? By the time you are an Emirates captain, you will be unemployable elsewhere. How many Ex Emirates Captains in Easy, Ryan, Monarch, Thompson, Air Berlin, Hop, Veuling?

[bringbackthe80s]

very very few

[Ana_Cleto]

"The Canaries is Spain, which is almost Europe"

Tela....

I would like to say that Spain IS Europe, and that the history and culture of Europe is quite hard to understand without the history and culture of Spain.

This said, I think you have been already pretty well advised about EK. Let me tell you about Canary Islands, I have lived some time there.

Provided I agree with every single good thing said here about them and living there, I can assure you that the so-called "Islanditis" (Islitis in Spanish) will catch you, as it does with everybody else.

It's a feeling of short land. Life there is pleasant, but seems to be always the same. Land is "too finite" and you may certainly end up getting weary of not having new things to do/ places to go.

It is a nice place with nice people (got great friends there) and an acceptable standard of living, but it may bore you quite soon. Try to make sure you can get out from time to time.

I would rather come to EK/ Dubai, but of course...personal view.

Good luck!