Rejoining/returning to CX process
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 674
Likes: 10
From: Krug departure, Merlot transition
MM, to be fair some did not leave because of dissatisfaction with conditions, but because they’d had enough of HK’s insane Covid restrictions. Others were non-PR holders on bases and let go.
Some indeed left due to POS18 conditions, tried jobs abroad and found it was just a different shade of brown in the end, leading to them returning ironically more content than before (also because objectively COS18 has somewhat improved).
Would I recommend a career here for a younger person? Absolutely not: all is policy, no guarantees or security, eye-wateringly expensive rents, no way to build a life or start a family. They cynically ripped up our contracts and our few certainties, rapaciously decimating our package. They will do it again at the next crisis.
But for an oldie looking to rejoin (after experiencing some of the crap contracts and companies out there) and do a few years at say CN3 or 4, why not. It will work for some.
In truth the entire profession is going down the drain worldwide, and it can feel like a game of frogger, jumping from log to sinking log (and sometimes the “log” is not a log)
Some indeed left due to POS18 conditions, tried jobs abroad and found it was just a different shade of brown in the end, leading to them returning ironically more content than before (also because objectively COS18 has somewhat improved).
Would I recommend a career here for a younger person? Absolutely not: all is policy, no guarantees or security, eye-wateringly expensive rents, no way to build a life or start a family. They cynically ripped up our contracts and our few certainties, rapaciously decimating our package. They will do it again at the next crisis.
But for an oldie looking to rejoin (after experiencing some of the crap contracts and companies out there) and do a few years at say CN3 or 4, why not. It will work for some.
In truth the entire profession is going down the drain worldwide, and it can feel like a game of frogger, jumping from log to sinking log (and sometimes the “log” is not a log)
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 103
Likes: 2
From: Lonely planet
I cannot understand how you can leave an airline due to your dissatisfaction with the conditions, then return, losing all your seniority, much lower pay and benefits and somehow be "happier". In some bizzaro world I suppose that makes sense. That is a special level of delusion...
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 3
From: rice bowl
Returning to CX
I guess for some that bypass pay ran out
But my favourite those who sledged the place on leaving “you’d be a fool to stay” “better jobs out there”
Now instead of million dollar morons now newly minted morons and training to boot
I guess for some that bypass pay ran out
But my favourite those who sledged the place on leaving “you’d be a fool to stay” “better jobs out there”
Now instead of million dollar morons now newly minted morons and training to boot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 214
Likes: 8
From: 43N
I cannot understand how you can leave an airline due to your dissatisfaction with the conditions, then return, losing all your seniority, much lower pay and benefits and somehow be "happier". In some bizzaro world I suppose that makes sense. That is a special level of delusion...
Some people who had move on to Majors were back in the crew room later "What happened Dutch"?
Furloughed from AA, DL, UA... back to t-prop FO
What does seniority mean at CX these days?
Last edited by Koan; 21st December 2024 at 03:11.
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
From: U.S.
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.
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.
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: In the middle
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.
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.
Personal circumstances makes a big difference. If you are alone or you have a partner that will fully integrate with HK life, is a bonus. However having to support a family... i wouldnt do it, Mainly because you'll be short of money and if you lose your job, you wont have any savings.
