Anyone actually like Emirates? (Hamster Wheel Thread)
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: camelshitcity
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Harry I see you just mind about your fellow cods.
Who cares about the sardines sweating in the sand...
Unfortunately the problem greatly lies in the fact that you are swimming in the same sea ruled by the same sharks.
Who cares about the sardines sweating in the sand...
Unfortunately the problem greatly lies in the fact that you are swimming in the same sea ruled by the same sharks.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: MIDDLE EAST
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sheikmyarse
If i'm being quite honest, No, I don't care about the working conditions of these people. I don't care because I have no control over their working conditions so why should I stress about it. Their lives do not impact on my life or that of my family. They never will, the same way i'll never get an invite to the Royal wedding this year.
I don't like it anymore than you but that's the way things work in this part of the World. You can blame it on the Indian Mafia who lie to the workers, you can blame it on the greedy locally controlled construction Companies, you could blame the ruling family for not enforcing basic safe working practices for these vunerable people. You could even blame the governments from where these people originate for allowing them to come in the first place, without proper guidance.
At the end of the day, they come from Countries where there is no minimum wage, where abject poverty is rife and there is no social security. Gulf Countries take advantage of that fact and , abhorrent as it is, neither you or I will ever change it. I wish I could change how the banks work here. I wish the driving was better. I wish it wasn't so hot in summer. I wish that when people say they'll call you back they do. I also wish that people realised some things are different here in Dubai to their own Countries and always will be.
If you never accept that one important fact, you'll never be happy here.
Harry
If i'm being quite honest, No, I don't care about the working conditions of these people. I don't care because I have no control over their working conditions so why should I stress about it. Their lives do not impact on my life or that of my family. They never will, the same way i'll never get an invite to the Royal wedding this year.
I don't like it anymore than you but that's the way things work in this part of the World. You can blame it on the Indian Mafia who lie to the workers, you can blame it on the greedy locally controlled construction Companies, you could blame the ruling family for not enforcing basic safe working practices for these vunerable people. You could even blame the governments from where these people originate for allowing them to come in the first place, without proper guidance.
At the end of the day, they come from Countries where there is no minimum wage, where abject poverty is rife and there is no social security. Gulf Countries take advantage of that fact and , abhorrent as it is, neither you or I will ever change it. I wish I could change how the banks work here. I wish the driving was better. I wish it wasn't so hot in summer. I wish that when people say they'll call you back they do. I also wish that people realised some things are different here in Dubai to their own Countries and always will be.
If you never accept that one important fact, you'll never be happy here.
Harry
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: camelshitcity
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Quality of life
The UAE has been listed below countries such as Colombia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mongolia, Swaziland, Azerbaijan and North Korea in terms of quality of life, according to a new list compiled by a magazine specialising in moving overseas.International Living magazine’s 2010 Quality of Life Index ranks 194 countries in terms of their quality of living and ranked the UAE 141st, just below Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and North Korea.
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Middle East
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't just like Emirates, it's awesome!! So is Dubai and the UAE.
Viewing things in a mirror can give you a whole different perspective, especially the rear view mirror.
.. And for those who think Canada is a frozen s...hole. Yes it is, it's horrific. My recommendation is to stay away, far, far away.
Jinglie'd
Viewing things in a mirror can give you a whole different perspective, especially the rear view mirror.
.. And for those who think Canada is a frozen s...hole. Yes it is, it's horrific. My recommendation is to stay away, far, far away.
Jinglie'd
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: MIDDLE EAST
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sheikmyarse
Why do you find it so difficult to take part in a normal discussion on these forums instead of repeating yourself over and over and over again? Maybe you should leave aviation and become a politician. They're good at going round and round in circles with the same diatribe.
Harry
Why do you find it so difficult to take part in a normal discussion on these forums instead of repeating yourself over and over and over again? Maybe you should leave aviation and become a politician. They're good at going round and round in circles with the same diatribe.
Harry
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Where the family is
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The UAE has been listed below countries such as Colombia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mongolia, Swaziland, Azerbaijan and North Korea in terms of quality of life, according to a new list compiled by a magazine specialising in moving overseas.International Living magazine’s 2010 Quality of Life Index ranks 194 countries in terms of their quality of living and ranked the UAE 141st, just below Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and North Korea.
sheikmyarse is offline Report Post Reply
sheikmyarse is offline Report Post Reply
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: MIDDLE EAST
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sittingidly
Well, I guess you'll be on the first plane outa here pretty soon then, not wanting to live in this ****hole. That is, of course, if you believe what Sheikys posted? As saywhat has just said, what utter crap. Below North Korea.......yeah right.
I'm all for defending personal viewpoints, and we're all entitled to them, but never answering valid arguments? C'mon, that's being just as ignorant, controlling and blinkered as the society he despises so much.
Harry
Well, I guess you'll be on the first plane outa here pretty soon then, not wanting to live in this ****hole. That is, of course, if you believe what Sheikys posted? As saywhat has just said, what utter crap. Below North Korea.......yeah right.
I'm all for defending personal viewpoints, and we're all entitled to them, but never answering valid arguments? C'mon, that's being just as ignorant, controlling and blinkered as the society he despises so much.
Harry
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: MIDDLE EAST
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Unions did a commendable job in saving the tens of thousands of pensions that were lost by many a US pilots in the last decade.....not!
And what a wonderful helpful bunch they were to the Aussie pilots 20 years ago....not!
Having been unionised and non unionised, I have no preference either way. For the very few times that I felt the need to contact them for advice, I was always disappointed by their response.
Harry
And what a wonderful helpful bunch they were to the Aussie pilots 20 years ago....not!
Having been unionised and non unionised, I have no preference either way. For the very few times that I felt the need to contact them for advice, I was always disappointed by their response.
Harry
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: camelshitcity
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is not being pro or against union the problem but not having the right to make that choiche. Sittin.. don't you worry the Big Brother don't know yet who you are...yet.Anyway by agreeing with Harry that obviously is on management payroll you will probably not lose your job..probably.
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: FL360
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i have stayed in Middle-east for a while in late nineties and i have to say that things have changed from those days.
yes, it is easier from somebody from south asia or far east or africa to get comfortable here because life generally is easier, money better, and way way safer for a family.
however, even then most of them will rue about the weather, the horrid night flying, the sheikhdom, the second class status etc. etc.
you will never be able to call it home. just come for a few years, make some money for retirement and go back.
a long term view is desirable but make no mistake--it may frustrate you sooner than you think.
yes, it is easier from somebody from south asia or far east or africa to get comfortable here because life generally is easier, money better, and way way safer for a family.
however, even then most of them will rue about the weather, the horrid night flying, the sheikhdom, the second class status etc. etc.
you will never be able to call it home. just come for a few years, make some money for retirement and go back.
a long term view is desirable but make no mistake--it may frustrate you sooner than you think.
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Middle East
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It has been a long time since I have posted on here and even looked on PPrune, but this grabbed my attention.
I have been in Dubai a long time now. I have seen many things change and many attitudes change. The company is huge now and still playing catch up. Someone posted a few pages back that if you let the UAE get under you skin you will be unhappy. There are good things and bad things in Dubai. I guess like all places on this earth (and I have seen many) DXB definitely has a dark side and the future for me is uncertain. My dilema like many is where I will end up. After 10 years here I am finding myself starting to allow the place to get under my skin. The problem is however, where do I go. The issue and problem is that I am a pilot and having had several jobs, where is there left to go. Every place will have its pros and cons. Any company you join will have night flying and lets face it, no one likes that.
On the plus side, I havent forgotten why I came here. I have a rostering system that does give me a choice. It isnt always good but it allows me to choose. I always believe that the simplar you keep the bid the more chance your expectations will be met. I generally get 85% satisfaction from my bid. I still have free medical for my family (well almost) as well as dental coverage. I get my limo to work, schooling, housing and bills covered. Before you all jump up and down the negative side will be covered. I can write my own tickets for staff travel and the route network is second to none. Petrol is cheap and it is a cosmopolitan place to live. My work colleagues generally are really great guys and I have now travelled pretty much the world.
The negative side is however starting to increase for all of us. This is not the place I came to 10 years ago. We work harder, but the company has expanded. Officially we are contracted for 900 hours. They make us fly that. In fact now they dont count the time in the bunk on ULR, I think I at one stage at the end of 2010, got my hours up to 970. The rostering quality as far as east to west is a concern and is being worked on. I find I sleep more (maybe thats just cos I am getting old?) My contract bears no resemblance to when I first joined. It wouldnt stand up in a court of law in pretty much the rest of the western world. They have reduced my salary by about 25% through increasing the threshold for overtime. I was told TCAS got DHS2.3 million as a bonus for meeting his budget. Well done you! Well after all this is a rumour network. My DEWA bill is now capped! That wasnt on my contract when I joined. I see a gradual chipping away of my terms and conditions which if you keep a record really adds up. The place is freaking expensive now and this is recognised but not acted on. It boils down to greed and that I really do hate. I see many changes in the company and many have left. On a different post someone called all of us EK pilots a bunch of whiners who never leave. The simple way is to look at the seniority list on a weekly basis. Last week it was 2550, this week it is 2535. I think I am right in saying that EK has taken on approx 1000 pilots in the past 3 years. And yet the seniority list has increased by about 350 ??? I think I move up a place a month and I am 10 years in. However people still join.... The expansion plans are huge. Loads of new aircraft and quite frankly an expasion plan that pilot wise I dont think they can meet. I am told they are looking to hire 400-500 pilots a year over the next 4 years. I dont actually know if there are that many out there. I also believe the next couple of years in EK will be very interesting. They need to have a very close look at how they treat the pilot force. Lets face it we have conceded many things to keep the company in profit. So far they have given nothing back......i will say again, they have so far given nothing back. I hope they are wise and start to repect that dubai is expensive, the schools and cost of living is hugely expensive. I dont hold much hope though. I think their idea of chucking money at us just to shut us up may happen. A bonus is good but short lived. The whole package needs to be looked at. And when you declare a half yearly profit of 351% profit, the whole world will now be looking at you very closely. I am sure there are many other things both good and bad. These are just a few that come to mind. I think the next 2 years will be make or break time for many including me. I believe the USA contingent will probably leave enmasse. They right now are the second highest nationality in the company after the brits. I think the company are quietly sweating, but who knows?
Someone once said, when the **** bucket starts to overflow, its maybe time to leave. I think the majority of us have fairly full buckets.
I have been in Dubai a long time now. I have seen many things change and many attitudes change. The company is huge now and still playing catch up. Someone posted a few pages back that if you let the UAE get under you skin you will be unhappy. There are good things and bad things in Dubai. I guess like all places on this earth (and I have seen many) DXB definitely has a dark side and the future for me is uncertain. My dilema like many is where I will end up. After 10 years here I am finding myself starting to allow the place to get under my skin. The problem is however, where do I go. The issue and problem is that I am a pilot and having had several jobs, where is there left to go. Every place will have its pros and cons. Any company you join will have night flying and lets face it, no one likes that.
On the plus side, I havent forgotten why I came here. I have a rostering system that does give me a choice. It isnt always good but it allows me to choose. I always believe that the simplar you keep the bid the more chance your expectations will be met. I generally get 85% satisfaction from my bid. I still have free medical for my family (well almost) as well as dental coverage. I get my limo to work, schooling, housing and bills covered. Before you all jump up and down the negative side will be covered. I can write my own tickets for staff travel and the route network is second to none. Petrol is cheap and it is a cosmopolitan place to live. My work colleagues generally are really great guys and I have now travelled pretty much the world.
The negative side is however starting to increase for all of us. This is not the place I came to 10 years ago. We work harder, but the company has expanded. Officially we are contracted for 900 hours. They make us fly that. In fact now they dont count the time in the bunk on ULR, I think I at one stage at the end of 2010, got my hours up to 970. The rostering quality as far as east to west is a concern and is being worked on. I find I sleep more (maybe thats just cos I am getting old?) My contract bears no resemblance to when I first joined. It wouldnt stand up in a court of law in pretty much the rest of the western world. They have reduced my salary by about 25% through increasing the threshold for overtime. I was told TCAS got DHS2.3 million as a bonus for meeting his budget. Well done you! Well after all this is a rumour network. My DEWA bill is now capped! That wasnt on my contract when I joined. I see a gradual chipping away of my terms and conditions which if you keep a record really adds up. The place is freaking expensive now and this is recognised but not acted on. It boils down to greed and that I really do hate. I see many changes in the company and many have left. On a different post someone called all of us EK pilots a bunch of whiners who never leave. The simple way is to look at the seniority list on a weekly basis. Last week it was 2550, this week it is 2535. I think I am right in saying that EK has taken on approx 1000 pilots in the past 3 years. And yet the seniority list has increased by about 350 ??? I think I move up a place a month and I am 10 years in. However people still join.... The expansion plans are huge. Loads of new aircraft and quite frankly an expasion plan that pilot wise I dont think they can meet. I am told they are looking to hire 400-500 pilots a year over the next 4 years. I dont actually know if there are that many out there. I also believe the next couple of years in EK will be very interesting. They need to have a very close look at how they treat the pilot force. Lets face it we have conceded many things to keep the company in profit. So far they have given nothing back......i will say again, they have so far given nothing back. I hope they are wise and start to repect that dubai is expensive, the schools and cost of living is hugely expensive. I dont hold much hope though. I think their idea of chucking money at us just to shut us up may happen. A bonus is good but short lived. The whole package needs to be looked at. And when you declare a half yearly profit of 351% profit, the whole world will now be looking at you very closely. I am sure there are many other things both good and bad. These are just a few that come to mind. I think the next 2 years will be make or break time for many including me. I believe the USA contingent will probably leave enmasse. They right now are the second highest nationality in the company after the brits. I think the company are quietly sweating, but who knows?
Someone once said, when the **** bucket starts to overflow, its maybe time to leave. I think the majority of us have fairly full buckets.
Last edited by Uplink; 17th Jan 2011 at 06:32.
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the great post.......
Uplink,
Thanks for the insightful post. It's nice to see paragraphs of "the positives and the negatives".
As one thinking about coming back for another interview (after being in the pool in 2008) it was a good read.
I did notice, however, that the "good" paragraph was A LOT shorter than the "bad"!!!!
Cheers all and thanks to all the responders on this thread.
The Darkness
Thanks for the insightful post. It's nice to see paragraphs of "the positives and the negatives".
As one thinking about coming back for another interview (after being in the pool in 2008) it was a good read.
I did notice, however, that the "good" paragraph was A LOT shorter than the "bad"!!!!
Cheers all and thanks to all the responders on this thread.
The Darkness
Last edited by The Darkness; 18th Jan 2011 at 18:39. Reason: punctuation
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Are we happy here?
To: Sig83, Easybusdriver1, buckdanny and any other concerned party,
I believe your question was "Anyone actually like Emirates?" or something to that effect? The answer is, yes...there are those that are happy here. What you didn't mention (sorry if I missed it) is how old you are, that does have allot of bearing as to whether you should consider coming here or any other expat job for that matter. Another HUGE issue is whether or not your wife/family will be happy here, you must include your wife in this decision as it is she that will be living in Dubai full time!
As for your age:if you are in your early to mid or even late 20's, can you stomach sitting as an FO for up to 10 years? I don't have the concrete facts but just looking at the numbers you can probably expect to sit right seat for at least 7-8 years before your upgrade but if you give yourself 10 and it comes earlier then all the better! What that means is you would be looking at left seat by the time you are in your mid to late 30's.....does that work for you?
As well you have to look at the "today numbers"! Today an FO's basic salary is approx 24,800 AED, Emirates.com/careers will give you the exact number. Convert that into USD and then factor in any taxes etc you may have to pay back home to see if it's worth your while. Don't look at the Provident Fund, bonuses or any "productivity pay" just look at the basic salary and see if you can get by on that. You must remember that Dubai is an expensive place to live, if you join on the AB then you won't get the chance to layover in the States and hit up Costco every month, at least not for the foreseeable future!
What you might want to do is sit down one night with your wife/family and a nice glass of red and start a pro/con list for coming to Dubai vs staying home. Don't rush this process, it may take several nights AND several bottles before your list is complete! LOL As others before me have so eloquently put it, this is a very big decision and not one to be taken lightly. If you are "older" then once you become an expat you will most likely stay one as heading home to join the bottom of the senority list becomes less and less of an option the longer you are away!
Do you know anyone in Dubai/at EK? Is it possible for you to travel out (wife included) to Dubai and stay for a few days+? You really need to get a feel for the place if you can, as stated previously in many posts there are some very good things here and some very bad/frustrating things. All or most of these
things should be factored into your decision. One thing you will find after coming to Dubai is that "customer service" and "after sales service" are an oxymoron but you quickly find out what shops will let you return/exchange and you will not shop anywhere else!
Another very important consideration (if you have children) is where they will go to school and under which curriculum they will study (American or British). All schools here are private for expat families and the fees to some are considerably more expensive than others. This will cut into your pay by up to 2000AED per month for approx the last 3-6 months of the school year depending on the school as EK does not cover the full amount. You can also factor in school bus fees, the cost will be dependent on where you live, school etc. EK does have a bus allowance but it may not cover all of your fees.
Having said all that you need to look at where you'll be in the States in 10 years. If you will be happy flying what you're flying and living where you're living then I think you have already made you decision. Only YOU and your family can decide, take what you can from these "discussions" and throw away the rest! Depending on your view I am one of the "luckier ones' (or not as the case may be) I have been here going on four years and am starting to prep for my upgrade. Four years in the right seat and now I'm looking at command of a widebody, not bad for a guy from my locale (see location under "handle")
Again, as has been stated here many times, we are working flat out! Our T&C's have been "altered" since we started and they may be again, who can tell. You are just a "number here" and one mistake in this company/country can (but not always) have some devastating consequences! We fly east, west, north and south sometimes all in one week, we fly the wrong side of the clock too often (especially on the AB) and we are very very tired! Are wives complain that we are "not there" when we come home and yet.......most of us still enjoy it! Now that may be because we are to "dumb" (read: too old) to retool and do something else but we are still here for all of our varying reasons.
The book "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" (and everything is small stuff) really comes into play when you move to this part of the world. Things here are not what they are at "home" and you need to adapt to that or life here can become very difficult (if you let it). Remember that the Middle East is part of Asia and there is a very Asian mentality at work here, sometimes not allot of thinking goes on "outside the box"! It's frustrating at times but if you're ready for it then it is much more manageable and does make life easier.
I do have to say that living here as an FO, with a wife and two medium sized children is a challenge financially! It was easier at first when we were seeing"productivity pay" on our paystubs. In addition, the bonus and annual 3% increase certainly didn't hurt either. We can't count on those things now so we do really watch our money! We have only one car and do not have a boat, plane or any other toy in the garage! We also do not live high on the hog, go out for dinner very often and (minus the annual family pilgrimage back home every summer) do not take family vacations.
On the other hand, we have lot's of great friends from all four corners of the world, have plenty of dinner/bbq parties and get together with great people to raise a glass of cheer any chance we can get! Am I doing something wrong financially?? Quite possibly......but I'm still having fun
The move out here is a long term one, keep that in mind. If your children are young then this is what they will remember as "home" growing up, is that okay with you? It is for me but again we are all different and this isn't for everyone. You come from a great country with many fantastic opportunities right outside your door! There are some here to but you must adapt to a different way of life if you want to enjoy it. You can't keep thinking...."yeah but back home" or "in my previous company", that will only drive you to drink (more) and make you miserable. You can be happy here if you want to be....you can also be miserable, the choice is yours and yours only I hope this long winded rant has helped even a small bit!! Please feel free to PM me with any questions you might have (and there will be many, you can count on it)!
Good luck in your career and you upcoming decision!
Cheers,
WL
P.S. "buckdanny" I believe it was your wife with the good job/career? Another big decision but as someone else previously posted there are many opportunities out this way for trained professionals! Do your research/homework first to make sure she finds the right job and the be sure to get EVEYTHING in writing before you move out here! Remember...happy wife, happy life"!!
P.S.S. One more thing guys! You have to remember you are at least 13-20 hours travel from "home". What about you parents or more importantly your wife's extended family? Is she going to miss them terribly and want to leave after a couple of years? Getting home is not easy and requires a great deal of time. Be sure your spouse is okay with missing birthdays, anniversaries and even Christmas and other special occasions! Ahhhh...they joys of living half way around the world
I believe your question was "Anyone actually like Emirates?" or something to that effect? The answer is, yes...there are those that are happy here. What you didn't mention (sorry if I missed it) is how old you are, that does have allot of bearing as to whether you should consider coming here or any other expat job for that matter. Another HUGE issue is whether or not your wife/family will be happy here, you must include your wife in this decision as it is she that will be living in Dubai full time!
As for your age:if you are in your early to mid or even late 20's, can you stomach sitting as an FO for up to 10 years? I don't have the concrete facts but just looking at the numbers you can probably expect to sit right seat for at least 7-8 years before your upgrade but if you give yourself 10 and it comes earlier then all the better! What that means is you would be looking at left seat by the time you are in your mid to late 30's.....does that work for you?
As well you have to look at the "today numbers"! Today an FO's basic salary is approx 24,800 AED, Emirates.com/careers will give you the exact number. Convert that into USD and then factor in any taxes etc you may have to pay back home to see if it's worth your while. Don't look at the Provident Fund, bonuses or any "productivity pay" just look at the basic salary and see if you can get by on that. You must remember that Dubai is an expensive place to live, if you join on the AB then you won't get the chance to layover in the States and hit up Costco every month, at least not for the foreseeable future!
What you might want to do is sit down one night with your wife/family and a nice glass of red and start a pro/con list for coming to Dubai vs staying home. Don't rush this process, it may take several nights AND several bottles before your list is complete! LOL As others before me have so eloquently put it, this is a very big decision and not one to be taken lightly. If you are "older" then once you become an expat you will most likely stay one as heading home to join the bottom of the senority list becomes less and less of an option the longer you are away!
Do you know anyone in Dubai/at EK? Is it possible for you to travel out (wife included) to Dubai and stay for a few days+? You really need to get a feel for the place if you can, as stated previously in many posts there are some very good things here and some very bad/frustrating things. All or most of these
things should be factored into your decision. One thing you will find after coming to Dubai is that "customer service" and "after sales service" are an oxymoron but you quickly find out what shops will let you return/exchange and you will not shop anywhere else!
Another very important consideration (if you have children) is where they will go to school and under which curriculum they will study (American or British). All schools here are private for expat families and the fees to some are considerably more expensive than others. This will cut into your pay by up to 2000AED per month for approx the last 3-6 months of the school year depending on the school as EK does not cover the full amount. You can also factor in school bus fees, the cost will be dependent on where you live, school etc. EK does have a bus allowance but it may not cover all of your fees.
Having said all that you need to look at where you'll be in the States in 10 years. If you will be happy flying what you're flying and living where you're living then I think you have already made you decision. Only YOU and your family can decide, take what you can from these "discussions" and throw away the rest! Depending on your view I am one of the "luckier ones' (or not as the case may be) I have been here going on four years and am starting to prep for my upgrade. Four years in the right seat and now I'm looking at command of a widebody, not bad for a guy from my locale (see location under "handle")
Again, as has been stated here many times, we are working flat out! Our T&C's have been "altered" since we started and they may be again, who can tell. You are just a "number here" and one mistake in this company/country can (but not always) have some devastating consequences! We fly east, west, north and south sometimes all in one week, we fly the wrong side of the clock too often (especially on the AB) and we are very very tired! Are wives complain that we are "not there" when we come home and yet.......most of us still enjoy it! Now that may be because we are to "dumb" (read: too old) to retool and do something else but we are still here for all of our varying reasons.
The book "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" (and everything is small stuff) really comes into play when you move to this part of the world. Things here are not what they are at "home" and you need to adapt to that or life here can become very difficult (if you let it). Remember that the Middle East is part of Asia and there is a very Asian mentality at work here, sometimes not allot of thinking goes on "outside the box"! It's frustrating at times but if you're ready for it then it is much more manageable and does make life easier.
I do have to say that living here as an FO, with a wife and two medium sized children is a challenge financially! It was easier at first when we were seeing"productivity pay" on our paystubs. In addition, the bonus and annual 3% increase certainly didn't hurt either. We can't count on those things now so we do really watch our money! We have only one car and do not have a boat, plane or any other toy in the garage! We also do not live high on the hog, go out for dinner very often and (minus the annual family pilgrimage back home every summer) do not take family vacations.
On the other hand, we have lot's of great friends from all four corners of the world, have plenty of dinner/bbq parties and get together with great people to raise a glass of cheer any chance we can get! Am I doing something wrong financially?? Quite possibly......but I'm still having fun
The move out here is a long term one, keep that in mind. If your children are young then this is what they will remember as "home" growing up, is that okay with you? It is for me but again we are all different and this isn't for everyone. You come from a great country with many fantastic opportunities right outside your door! There are some here to but you must adapt to a different way of life if you want to enjoy it. You can't keep thinking...."yeah but back home" or "in my previous company", that will only drive you to drink (more)
and make you miserable. You can be happy here if you want to be....you can also be miserable, the choice is yours and yours only I hope this long winded rant has helped even a small bit!! Please feel free to PM me with any questions you might have (and there will be many, you can count on it)!Good luck in your career and you upcoming decision!
Cheers,
WL
P.S. "buckdanny" I believe it was your wife with the good job/career? Another big decision but as someone else previously posted there are many opportunities out this way for trained professionals! Do your research/homework first to make sure she finds the right job and the be sure to get EVEYTHING in writing before you move out here! Remember...happy wife, happy life"!!
P.S.S. One more thing guys! You have to remember you are at least 13-20 hours travel from "home". What about you parents or more importantly your wife's extended family? Is she going to miss them terribly and want to leave after a couple of years? Getting home is not easy and requires a great deal of time. Be sure your spouse is okay with missing birthdays, anniversaries and even Christmas and other special occasions! Ahhhh...they joys of living half way around the world
