Question for Emirates Pilots with Wife and Kids only please
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Question for Emirates Pilots with Wife and Kids only please
Hi there, having my 3000 hours jet time, Im *considering* Emirates, I have a wife and 2 young children, The eldest due to start school next year, the younger is only 1, and Im wondering if you move over to Dubai with wife and kids, how is it after the initial Emirates glamour and perks have become the norm?
I know as a family you get a villa, are these good?
How happy is your wife and kids with the lifestyle over there?
Id be interested to hear both good and bad sides of the argument.
Many thanks in advance
I know as a family you get a villa, are these good?
How happy is your wife and kids with the lifestyle over there?
Id be interested to hear both good and bad sides of the argument.
Many thanks in advance
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Seaman, thanks soo much for a totally excellent reply,you list many things all of which have gone through my mind, Ive been trying to see beyond the honeymoon peroid, like you say everything is exciting and bright lights initially but once you go beyond that, you still have to live there and your a dam long way from home. Also I didnt realise that the FO salary didnt stretch that far, it must be expensive over there!
Im not convinced that Dubal is for us as a family, as much as Im not a fan of my current LCC, for now it works, however that might all change with command which is looming as theyll send me overseas anyway, somewhere like the canaries. mmmmmmmmmmmmm lots to think about, thanks soo much for such a great insight to EK I really appreciate it
Cheers
DD
Im not convinced that Dubal is for us as a family, as much as Im not a fan of my current LCC, for now it works, however that might all change with command which is looming as theyll send me overseas anyway, somewhere like the canaries. mmmmmmmmmmmmm lots to think about, thanks soo much for such a great insight to EK I really appreciate it
Cheers
DD
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Seaman staynes speaks wise words; the key to it is wife happiness as was stated. Mine is a qualified nurse with lots of experience but she found it a major problem getting work and, without a role here, your spouse will find boredom setting in...
The F/Os salary can be a challenge at times, too. We have 3 kids and it is rather 'tight' at times.
Have you visited the place? Good time to come is now because the heat is winding up again and you will get a feel for the climate, which can be brutal in summer!
Overrall, so far (4 years in) the wife has found a role, the kids are happy (despite major anti-dubai feelings from our eldest prior to coming out - over it now and also happy) and we are getting on with life, but it is very different from home. My contract is not worth the paper it is written on and upgrade time is rather different to that which was hinted at in interview (I am looking at 7 years or so) but I have enjoyed my time thus far, having flown with a great bunch of guys to some great destinations (and to some rather crap ones too!). Fatigue is also a big enemy and, certainly on the 'bus, you often spend your precious time off just recovering from the previous nights turnaround. The company seems to go out of its way to bring morale down amongst the troops and have it down to a fine art - which is a pity because I have often said that this could be the best flying job in the world, if only it were allowed to be.....they have yet to learn that a happy, smiling workforce will improve the bottom line no end but, as a 'bean-counter' is unable to put a figure onto this morale thing then things are not going to change here in the near future. Shame, for them and for us.
Sorry, that last paragraph was a bit of a ramble!! Good luck with yuor soul-searching.
The F/Os salary can be a challenge at times, too. We have 3 kids and it is rather 'tight' at times.
Have you visited the place? Good time to come is now because the heat is winding up again and you will get a feel for the climate, which can be brutal in summer!
Overrall, so far (4 years in) the wife has found a role, the kids are happy (despite major anti-dubai feelings from our eldest prior to coming out - over it now and also happy) and we are getting on with life, but it is very different from home. My contract is not worth the paper it is written on and upgrade time is rather different to that which was hinted at in interview (I am looking at 7 years or so) but I have enjoyed my time thus far, having flown with a great bunch of guys to some great destinations (and to some rather crap ones too!). Fatigue is also a big enemy and, certainly on the 'bus, you often spend your precious time off just recovering from the previous nights turnaround. The company seems to go out of its way to bring morale down amongst the troops and have it down to a fine art - which is a pity because I have often said that this could be the best flying job in the world, if only it were allowed to be.....they have yet to learn that a happy, smiling workforce will improve the bottom line no end but, as a 'bean-counter' is unable to put a figure onto this morale thing then things are not going to change here in the near future. Shame, for them and for us.
Sorry, that last paragraph was a bit of a ramble!! Good luck with yuor soul-searching.
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DIREKTdikas
Canaries?
You mean the "fortunate islands"?
West of Sahara?
I am spanish, which influences my opinion, but let me tell you:
In the Canaries you and your family would be much much happier. much much much, I would add.
Dubai is cool, but this is Arabia. The Canaries is Spain, which is almost Europe. Its people is nice and relaxed. Prices are low, less taxes, very high quality of life. Mild nice weather all throughout the year. Latitude is Sahara's, but the Ocean provides moderate temperatures and humidity.
There are so many stupid things in Spain! but nowhere near the things you will find here. The canaries is a paradise that I lost when my beloved charter airline went bankrupt.
which airline is that that has positions available in the canaries? May I apply?
im a 320 driver, Fo
cheers
Canaries?
You mean the "fortunate islands"?
West of Sahara?
I am spanish, which influences my opinion, but let me tell you:
In the Canaries you and your family would be much much happier. much much much, I would add.
Dubai is cool, but this is Arabia. The Canaries is Spain, which is almost Europe. Its people is nice and relaxed. Prices are low, less taxes, very high quality of life. Mild nice weather all throughout the year. Latitude is Sahara's, but the Ocean provides moderate temperatures and humidity.
There are so many stupid things in Spain! but nowhere near the things you will find here. The canaries is a paradise that I lost when my beloved charter airline went bankrupt.
which airline is that that has positions available in the canaries? May I apply?
im a 320 driver, Fo
cheers
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Following this thread with interest as I'm in the same boat and would agree that it will be the missus that could make a move to Dubai a great move or the biggest regret!
Can I just ask though what the furnishing is like if you take the company stuff? They show you an unfurnished villa and then an apartment with too much furniture in it that looks dated.
Trying to keep everyone happy so what are your comments on it. If it "keeping up with the jone's" enough or just go buy your own?
Kempus
Can I just ask though what the furnishing is like if you take the company stuff? They show you an unfurnished villa and then an apartment with too much furniture in it that looks dated.
Trying to keep everyone happy so what are your comments on it. If it "keeping up with the jone's" enough or just go buy your own?
Kempus
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Hi Kempus,
Here in Silicon Oasis, the furniture is adequate in terms of quantity but not great in terms of quality. And many of us have the same stuff. I opted to bring a container out here which has made life a lot more bearable. EK depreciate the furniture value over 5 years. If you leave, you can't just leave the furniture as they will ask you to pay the % back.
If you plan to stay a while, I suggest you bring your own stuff as a first case scenario. If not, check out a site called dubizzle which is like exchange and mart for second hand stuff as there are lots of people coming and going here. The EK furniture route is my last choice.
Also, the houses are bigger than in the UK with taller ceilings and some big furniture can look quite nice.
I wish you well with your move if you decide to come.
Here in Silicon Oasis, the furniture is adequate in terms of quantity but not great in terms of quality. And many of us have the same stuff. I opted to bring a container out here which has made life a lot more bearable. EK depreciate the furniture value over 5 years. If you leave, you can't just leave the furniture as they will ask you to pay the % back.
If you plan to stay a while, I suggest you bring your own stuff as a first case scenario. If not, check out a site called dubizzle which is like exchange and mart for second hand stuff as there are lots of people coming and going here. The EK furniture route is my last choice.
Also, the houses are bigger than in the UK with taller ceilings and some big furniture can look quite nice.
I wish you well with your move if you decide to come.
Silicon Oasis?
how long driving to DXB?
how long driving to DXB?
Large, well stocked super-market just opened on site, 10 mins to a very good, full service Mall.
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Anyone know the price of a container from Melbourne to Dubai?
How about using the furniture allowance to buy new furniture there, instead of shipping it all across?
How about using the furniture allowance to buy new furniture there, instead of shipping it all across?
Have a look at a TV series called "Idiot Abroad" On Sky1
It's a based on a friend of Ricky Gervais and is a documentary of his (unwilling) travelling.
If you can relate to this guy....Then do not move to Dubai. Or anywhere!
halas
It's a based on a friend of Ricky Gervais and is a documentary of his (unwilling) travelling.
If you can relate to this guy....Then do not move to Dubai. Or anywhere!
halas
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thinking
Guys, thanks again for all these honest replys, the best way to judge something is hearing from guys who are living it, You are all making me think that the canaries might not be soo bad, in fact I might even like it after a while 
I guess the culture there would be "easier" (if thats the right word) than Dubai and whilst hot, not brutally hot. I have experienced heat in the 40's in Oz and have to say that at that level all you want to do is get out of it!
Probably best to roll with command and then reassess the whole market with PIC in the log book.
Thanks again to all for your input, most grateful
Cheers
DD
I guess the culture there would be "easier" (if thats the right word) than Dubai and whilst hot, not brutally hot. I have experienced heat in the 40's in Oz and have to say that at that level all you want to do is get out of it!Probably best to roll with command and then reassess the whole market with PIC in the log book.
Thanks again to all for your input, most grateful
Cheers
DD
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Hi folks,
Thanks also for the replies and I think a container is going to be the way to go. Just one last question, with the unfurnished option are any white goods included? Can't remember what they said and it does they would take up a large percentage of the allowance.
DirectDikas good luck, I'm in the same postiton as you and probably for the same outfit. It's just time for me to move on and try another type of flying without the associated stressors that come with our company! Best of luck to you!
Kempus
Thanks also for the replies and I think a container is going to be the way to go. Just one last question, with the unfurnished option are any white goods included? Can't remember what they said and it does they would take up a large percentage of the allowance.
DirectDikas good luck, I'm in the same postiton as you and probably for the same outfit. It's just time for me to move on and try another type of flying without the associated stressors that come with our company! Best of luck to you!
Kempus
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Kempus, If you take the furniture allowance, the only things in your apartment or villa when you arrive, is a telephone and an echo.
There is no other "white goods" not even a stove.......you are on your own to start to fit out your digs....EK used to provide a welcome pack though to get you through the first day or two.
A few years ago.......... OMG!
7 years ago, a 20' container from OZ cost $7000 with Allied door to door. Had good service with them.
Good luck
There is no other "white goods" not even a stove.......you are on your own to start to fit out your digs....EK used to provide a welcome pack though to get you through the first day or two.
A few years ago.......... OMG!
7 years ago, a 20' container from OZ cost $7000 with Allied door to door. Had good service with them.Good luck
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Good posts
Being an ex. EK driver myself I have to say that Seaman Staynes posts in this thread are well balanced and true.
Life is expensive with kids and a wife on FO salary.However if you are the outdoors/ camping type of family, life can be quite good in the winter months.
We had lot`s of camping trips in the desert and mountains in UAE and Oman.
It all depends on your situation and your expectations if you will be happy.
It helps to have thick skin.
Life is expensive with kids and a wife on FO salary.However if you are the outdoors/ camping type of family, life can be quite good in the winter months.
We had lot`s of camping trips in the desert and mountains in UAE and Oman.
It all depends on your situation and your expectations if you will be happy.
It helps to have thick skin.
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Good luck Kempus
Cheers Kempus and best of luck to you, be sure to keep me posted on your experiences over there with the occasional PM, Ill hang fire for another bit and continue to watch the situation over there and back here, Its going to be Paddy Power for a bit longer - interesting place at the minute with all the pilot movements!
Good luck
DD
Good luck
DD
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good luck
ah, I forgot to mention another "pro" if you go the Canaries. Most of the times you fly (up and down) you will log between 5 to 9 hours depending on the destinations, because the Canaries are a bit far. Say average 7 hours. This means that you have a lot of days off even if you are rostered 90 hours every month! (and fewer sectors that in any base in the mainland for the same monthly hours)
PM me what is your airline (RYR maybe?), please. Maybe i could apply...
cheers
ah, I forgot to mention another "pro" if you go the Canaries. Most of the times you fly (up and down) you will log between 5 to 9 hours depending on the destinations, because the Canaries are a bit far. Say average 7 hours. This means that you have a lot of days off even if you are rostered 90 hours every month! (and fewer sectors that in any base in the mainland for the same monthly hours)
PM me what is your airline (RYR maybe?), please. Maybe i could apply...
cheers