jacjetlag
We agree on something. Jealousy is indeed such an ugly emotion. Please don't assume though that I am guilty of that.
I've lived in the UAE for 8 years now and was fortunate enough to have been one of the first to avail of buying property here.Whilst many sat back and laughed, I continued to buy and sell as prices skyrocketed. During these last few years, my personal wealth has increased significantly, to an extent where a $2 million pension fund I now consider modest. Very modest in fact. My most recent sale netted a profit of twice that sum.
I don't want to turn this into a 'mine's bigger than yours' debate. You've been in this game for some time and as an experienced pilot I respect that. I also realise that the US has had a hard few years and worse could be ahead. Many have been screwed by Incompetent managers in for the short term, while long term staff deal with the consequences of those selfish decisions. The US is not unique. No wonder loyalty is hard to come by these days. When we see our hard earned pensions reduced to nothing and the Airline decimated through lack of investment in its staff, is it any wonder?
I've read some of your previous posts and realise you're an old school union guy who shares these same views. I saw the writing on the wall many years ago which is why I had to look elsewhere for my pension. Luckily I found it in property and was in the right place at the right time. I simply could not rely on EK. Our own provident fund is woefully poor unlike the excellent pension that you can look forward to. However, Emirates does offer industry leading job security (providing you don't screw up) and a good overall package with modern aircraft and great destinations. Oh yes............and 14 weeks profit share this year! That's probably why, as I said earlier, that many guys from the States are applying here. It's probably the best of a bad bunch I guess.
Enjoy the retirement 'old man'. Don't waste it all on Pprune!
Harry