Originally Posted by
Icantleavebecause
I have 4 friends who have gone back, and I hear different stories. There are 2 who say they are making good money but didn't realize how bad it would be to get on staff travel to go home and see the family now they are at the bottom of the seniority list. They claim CX management still have the same mindset, they are stuck in a small rental in Tung Chung with min days off, and apparently HK is not the same blah blah and bitterly regret returning.
The other 2 friends who've gone back absolutely love it. Yes, they are at the bottom of the seniority list, but they are making good money and when they have annual leave. they just buy full fare, so it's really no big deal. They realized after they left, just how much they missed HK, enjoyed flying for a legacy carrier, and that the grass was definitely not greener. They now see life in CX in a different light and are very happy to be back..
A 777 skipper once told me “You can't come back unless you go away." I do believe that to be true. Only you can decide if returning is the right thing. Sit and write down the pros and cons, and make the best decision that you can. I left 3 years ago, and I'm very happy with my life in the US, but I do miss Hong Kong and the expat life. I can understand why people return, and I'm happy for them. My only words of caution are, if you do go back, don't go expecting it to be the way it all was pre-2020.
The fleet you return on also makes a huge difference, from what I hear the Airbus and 777 are flying a lot, with not many days off but are making good money. The 747 guys are not doing many hours but get more days off, with many commuting.
I would also only go back if you can afford to live on the basic salary, as with your contract being 'policy’, there's a possibility that the thresholds may change in the future. Financially, plan on only what you’re guaranteed, which is the minimum salary. If that works for you, then go for it and enjoy being back in HK. Great hikes, great taxes, great people, great global position, and despite what others may say, you're still working for a pretty good legacy carrier. Some will criticise me for saying that, but I guess they probably haven't seen life on the other side.
I wish you all the best in your decision.