Leaving South Africa for the Sandpit
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: JNB
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Leaving South Africa for the Sandpit
I have recently been offered a job in the Middle East. Initially I was stoked and couldn't wait to go and get my hands on their nice shiny Boeings. The offer is ok money-wise and its a good outfit. But as the weeks have passed, I am less and less excited and in fact have 99% decided not to go.
The Pro's are
Good company, nice aircraft, good expat crowd, relatively fast command
The Con's are...
Selling cars etc in SA (losing $)
Packing up stuff in SA for storage (paying $)
Removal costs for that stuff I would take (paying $)
Renting out house and not being there to stay on top of that, leaving it to relatives or agents (losing $)
Haemorraging money on soon-to-be-unused cell-phone, internet, contracts (losing $)
Leaving friends and family
Partner must resign her job, and leave her family behind
She can join the same company as me as hostie, but we can't marry there for 2 years, and if she falls pregnant she's out of a job
It's hot as hell there
It's a Muslim state and I being Infidel don't count much, if at all
I will be spending all I earn, month to month, including paying money into SA each month for expenses there (storage, rental agent, contracts, insurance)
Hassle of finding accomodation and buying a whole new set of furniture etc
The new company's routes and rosters are a bit rough
(can anyone add more)
Long-term, I would not stay there forever so it means another huge upheaval in several years, back to SA? But then again maybe its good to get out of SA with all the crime/political idiots?
If I stay in SA what is there for me? I'm fairly happy where I am now but need to move on. Can't get into SAA being non-black, I don't fancy an F/O pay at Nationwide... SAX I would have to move up and down from Cape Town as I progressed. Safair, Airquarius spend too much time on contract. Comair & Mango sound like relatively good options, but so far no bite. And frustrating to see lesser-experienced people getting the nod.
Speaking to people who have made the move to the Gulf, it sounds as if they enjoy it initially but then their happiness seems to fade away... as I read on another thread here (the 737 advert in the Sunday Times thread), cracks begin appearing in the decision.
I'd like to hear from those who have made the move, any others considering the move, and anyone with good advice or input. Thanks
The Pro's are
Good company, nice aircraft, good expat crowd, relatively fast command
The Con's are...
Selling cars etc in SA (losing $)
Packing up stuff in SA for storage (paying $)
Removal costs for that stuff I would take (paying $)
Renting out house and not being there to stay on top of that, leaving it to relatives or agents (losing $)
Haemorraging money on soon-to-be-unused cell-phone, internet, contracts (losing $)
Leaving friends and family
Partner must resign her job, and leave her family behind
She can join the same company as me as hostie, but we can't marry there for 2 years, and if she falls pregnant she's out of a job
It's hot as hell there
It's a Muslim state and I being Infidel don't count much, if at all
I will be spending all I earn, month to month, including paying money into SA each month for expenses there (storage, rental agent, contracts, insurance)
Hassle of finding accomodation and buying a whole new set of furniture etc
The new company's routes and rosters are a bit rough
(can anyone add more)
Long-term, I would not stay there forever so it means another huge upheaval in several years, back to SA? But then again maybe its good to get out of SA with all the crime/political idiots?
If I stay in SA what is there for me? I'm fairly happy where I am now but need to move on. Can't get into SAA being non-black, I don't fancy an F/O pay at Nationwide... SAX I would have to move up and down from Cape Town as I progressed. Safair, Airquarius spend too much time on contract. Comair & Mango sound like relatively good options, but so far no bite. And frustrating to see lesser-experienced people getting the nod.
Speaking to people who have made the move to the Gulf, it sounds as if they enjoy it initially but then their happiness seems to fade away... as I read on another thread here (the 737 advert in the Sunday Times thread), cracks begin appearing in the decision.
I'd like to hear from those who have made the move, any others considering the move, and anyone with good advice or input. Thanks
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Planet Tharg
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
a.) Do you have jet time?
b.) Do you want jet time without selling your soul and bonding forever for a urine poor salary?
Your route to command where you're planning to go doesn't sound too rough and you'll definitely live a better life there than trying to get into one of the majors in SA without the necessary requirement while keeping body and soul together with contract and charter work. The experience on those international routes is worth gold if you're still relatively young.
b.) Do you want jet time without selling your soul and bonding forever for a urine poor salary?
Your route to command where you're planning to go doesn't sound too rough and you'll definitely live a better life there than trying to get into one of the majors in SA without the necessary requirement while keeping body and soul together with contract and charter work. The experience on those international routes is worth gold if you're still relatively young.
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Johannesburg
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ive been offered jobs form 2 carriers in that part of the world- my reason for accepting niether- after going there to check it out- was what did I do after the contract was over? It just looked like a place you went to for a few years to either make a few bucks/ experience a new way of life/get experience etc.
I just felt it was better to hang in in SA and build my career here. I had the feeling that my next move after the Gulf would have to be Europe or some place like that and I didnt want to be a wanderer for the rest of my career. But thats just me.
I just felt it was better to hang in in SA and build my career here. I had the feeling that my next move after the Gulf would have to be Europe or some place like that and I didnt want to be a wanderer for the rest of my career. But thats just me.
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: south africa
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One of my best friends recently resigned from EK. He was there 12 years. Was with SAA before. He told me that leaving SAA was the WORST decision he ever made in his life! I considered it myself 12 years ago and NOT going was the BEST decision I never made in my life! (Many of the SA pilots who've been there for some time are now baling out.)
I've been to DXB many times and if living in a sauna is for you, then go for it. (If you have kids or intend to, don't even consider it!) Obviously this decision has pro's and cons on both sides, but based on what's been posted on this and the 737 advert thread, there's enough information for you to read between the lines. My personal opinion: not just EK... DON'T GO ANYWHERE NEAR THE MIDDLE EAST! for all the reasons that are right here on pprune. No matter what the ME apologists may say!
I've been to DXB many times and if living in a sauna is for you, then go for it. (If you have kids or intend to, don't even consider it!) Obviously this decision has pro's and cons on both sides, but based on what's been posted on this and the 737 advert thread, there's enough information for you to read between the lines. My personal opinion: not just EK... DON'T GO ANYWHERE NEAR THE MIDDLE EAST! for all the reasons that are right here on pprune. No matter what the ME apologists may say!
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i grew up in the middle east, before i had anything to do with the aviation world....best days of my life.
i think it is down to the individual, but there are lots of very good reasons to go to the middle east, aswell as some good ones not to.
lets face it, sa has its own set of MAJOR problems!
i think it is down to the individual, but there are lots of very good reasons to go to the middle east, aswell as some good ones not to.
lets face it, sa has its own set of MAJOR problems!
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Behind 1480mm RHA equivalent
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is the dilemma facing many South African pilots at the moment. It really is a pity that if you want to stay in SA, your choice of companies to make a career of it in is very, very limited. I personally feel there's only one realistic option, but there are probably more (ie two!) I have made my choice, and as a result, I will never be very well off at all. But I will be at home at least.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: uk
Age: 23
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If moving to another country doesnt really excite you then dont bother going.
If you are a bit open minded and are prepared to do something new then give it a crack.
If you are genuinely happy with your present employer then stay put and ask yourself why you applied for a job in the ME.
Whatever turns you on sunshine.
If you are a bit open minded and are prepared to do something new then give it a crack.
If you are genuinely happy with your present employer then stay put and ask yourself why you applied for a job in the ME.
Whatever turns you on sunshine.
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Palmsville
Age: 73
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Don't Go - Africa Is Home
The ME cost me 6 months of my life. I had all the same thoughts as you and only one good thing came out of it. After just short time there I was offered new job back in Africa even better than before. I never wish to return. Africa is the place to be.
Guest
Posts: n/a
What ever floats your boat
Scruffy,
How old are you? (Not being derogatory). If you still have years and years on your side, you might yet get to attempt the walk on water test in Kempton Park,( or does it have a new name now?) If you are really chasing a quick command, you will eventually have to leave SA. Unfortunately, this is a reality.
Not everyone fits into expat life. That goes for the Sandpit, just as well as anywhere else in the world. ( I know guys who have returned to Sa from Europe and the East as well.) Only you can decide, having solicited as much advice as possible, if it will work for you. That said, with all the advice in the world, you still might get it wrong. You will never know unless you try.
Warlock, well said. Most "expenses" really become small change in the scheme of things. However, count on a good year to fully establish yourself in an expat community.
BTW, EK is not the only airline in the Gulf operating Boeings: EK, EY, GF, QR (on order) Royal Jet.
Good luck
How old are you? (Not being derogatory). If you still have years and years on your side, you might yet get to attempt the walk on water test in Kempton Park,( or does it have a new name now?) If you are really chasing a quick command, you will eventually have to leave SA. Unfortunately, this is a reality.
Not everyone fits into expat life. That goes for the Sandpit, just as well as anywhere else in the world. ( I know guys who have returned to Sa from Europe and the East as well.) Only you can decide, having solicited as much advice as possible, if it will work for you. That said, with all the advice in the world, you still might get it wrong. You will never know unless you try.
Warlock, well said. Most "expenses" really become small change in the scheme of things. However, count on a good year to fully establish yourself in an expat community.
BTW, EK is not the only airline in the Gulf operating Boeings: EK, EY, GF, QR (on order) Royal Jet.
Good luck
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Holland
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am retired now, but I spent a year in Jeddah and as sand pits go, not the best.
If you have years on your side, go.
Its an experience to be had! Guess who might be our next president in SA?
If you have years on your side, go.
Its an experience to be had! Guess who might be our next president in SA?
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Dunno anymore
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Now this is not going to make your decision any easier..........but,
I spent 5 years in DXB and loved every moment of it. I enjoyed working for EK and had a good circle of friends outside of EK. The lifestyle was a little different to what I was used to in SA - But if I look back on it - it was superb!
DXB (and all the other expat heavans) have their own headackes. But compared to the nonsense going on in SA at the moment I would still say it would be better for you and youre other half in DXB.
For those of you who havent heard.......JZ has been let off the hook.
JZ for President..............................! NOT!
SN
I spent 5 years in DXB and loved every moment of it. I enjoyed working for EK and had a good circle of friends outside of EK. The lifestyle was a little different to what I was used to in SA - But if I look back on it - it was superb!
DXB (and all the other expat heavans) have their own headackes. But compared to the nonsense going on in SA at the moment I would still say it would be better for you and youre other half in DXB.
For those of you who havent heard.......JZ has been let off the hook.
JZ for President..............................! NOT!
SN
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: UAE
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whatever you choose, it is what you make of it! Go with the right attitude and you will enjoy. As long as you have a plan. I base things on a 5 year plan. When I achive my plan earlier I change the goal for the next 5 years. That keeps me happy and focused. In the mean while I try and enjoy reaching that goal.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London. UK
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Moving
For those of us on the cusp of a move a thread like this really helps. It is never easy to see the other side and as a non South African who loves SA I am finding it hard to make an informed desicion about where to go next. Pay is not always the main criteria though it does form part of the more important reasons. So for those of you who wish to stay in SA, may I objectively raise this question and I am particularly interested to hear from those of you with families.
Bucket
Bucket