The Outlaw: Well done you!
For what it's worth, I too had an epiphany wherein I simply couldn't take it anymore (i.e. the airline and / or Dubai). In a career I loved and had worked hard for, I found myself hating going to work (in the sandpit)... and therein one day I handed in my resignation.
I'm pleased to report that I've now got back my aeronautical mojo and am having a blast; though it's admittedly been something of a rollercoaster ride... but what a ride, and I'm loving every minute of it.
Whilst I might occasionally miss the DXB money, I certainly do NOT miss the sandpit (and, that said, the money I get now ain't all that far off - in real terms - what I got in DXB... but the fun factor I'm having now is, well, go figure) !
Once you finally leave and get to kick that UAE sand from off the bottom of your shoes, you'll look back and probably wonder why on earth you ever stayed there so long and to what end ?!