@ intruder one:
Not sure where you got the " you never leave" from?
I'm from the USA as well and don't go home very often as it is just too far!
I often have time to go home but kids are in school here etc....so usually not worth it.
Many of my friends from Eorope are almost commuting, going home 10 plus days per month.
I have had about 1 week vacation per month for the last 5 months....usually they add few days off and I have gotten 10-14 days off in a row for several months( which I actually don't like.....as I said with the kids in school staying home for 2 weeks gets boring!) but would be pretty easy to go home if one wanted to.
The only time it is difficult is for first couple of months you have to get exit visa from flight ops...after 3 months you get multi exit visa and are free to come and go at your leisure