I've hit my wall working in ME.
short flights long nights
When I post on here, I get comments on here..or via PM..asking me why I am still on this board because I left EK almost 3 years ago.
Firstly...because I can.But more importantly, its because I still have friends in EK and like to keep up with what is going on. And more importantly...let people know...there is a life beyond EK and Big Jets.
As I sit here with the dogs and a glass of wine...I have two days off. Then I go back to work to drive a train. Because its an "early" shift..starting at 4.00 am, i have to finish by 10.30 am..this includes a 1 hour break for breakfast at 7.30am.
There is a life beyond the EK Big Jets...it might not pay as much....but yu will feel so much better for it..trust me....I will bet you my house that when you are lying on your death bed you won't say "I wish I had spent another year in Dubai"
Just my thoughts.
Firstly...because I can.But more importantly, its because I still have friends in EK and like to keep up with what is going on. And more importantly...let people know...there is a life beyond EK and Big Jets.
As I sit here with the dogs and a glass of wine...I have two days off. Then I go back to work to drive a train. Because its an "early" shift..starting at 4.00 am, i have to finish by 10.30 am..this includes a 1 hour break for breakfast at 7.30am.
There is a life beyond the EK Big Jets...it might not pay as much....but yu will feel so much better for it..trust me....I will bet you my house that when you are lying on your death bed you won't say "I wish I had spent another year in Dubai"
Just my thoughts.
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Sciolistes,
I have no idea for who you are flying since you left FZ but I can tell you that with my experience of low cost in europe ( Ryanair ) and FZ here , I still prefer Ryanair...
Why ?
You can really enjoy flying manually there and they have some nice and challenging approaches to play with including visuals or circling.
The roster was a lot more stable with no night flights ( 5 days flying always followed by 4 days off ; 5 days early departure 4 days off then 5 days afternoon departure 4 days off etc...)
If you make a mistake , you will be grounded , sent back to the simulator for some specific training then back on line )
Here you get " fired " or should I say they ask you to resign...
So I am not really sure why you regret FZ and talking about fatigue , I have never been fatigued at Ryanair because I had always 4 days off to recover and never shifting from day to deep night and vice versa...
FZ is definitely a lot worse except for the money
I have no idea for who you are flying since you left FZ but I can tell you that with my experience of low cost in europe ( Ryanair ) and FZ here , I still prefer Ryanair...
Why ?
You can really enjoy flying manually there and they have some nice and challenging approaches to play with including visuals or circling.
The roster was a lot more stable with no night flights ( 5 days flying always followed by 4 days off ; 5 days early departure 4 days off then 5 days afternoon departure 4 days off etc...)
If you make a mistake , you will be grounded , sent back to the simulator for some specific training then back on line )
Here you get " fired " or should I say they ask you to resign...
So I am not really sure why you regret FZ and talking about fatigue , I have never been fatigued at Ryanair because I had always 4 days off to recover and never shifting from day to deep night and vice versa...
FZ is definitely a lot worse except for the money
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Mindset Change
Having worked in the industry, where flying was my passion, I began to wake up to the values that mattered most:
1. Family
2. Time off
With over 40 years and more hours than I care to think about, I sought to achieve servicing those two value points. I got around people who had achieved real success in their lives and had time with family, time off and had developed an incredible ongoing asset, something I had wanted.
I resigned from active flying some years ago. I don’t awake to an alarm clock in the middle of the afternoon to operate some polar operation for 15 hours. I choose to go to places in this world with my family when I want to and, I don’t have to worry about running my bank account dry.
A changed mindset did it for us. I have a renewed incredible relationship with my wife and family.
I am grateful to have had the career that I did however; it cannot replace the life I have now.
I hear your pain and it isn’t just in the ME.
Best wishes to you all.
1. Family
2. Time off
With over 40 years and more hours than I care to think about, I sought to achieve servicing those two value points. I got around people who had achieved real success in their lives and had time with family, time off and had developed an incredible ongoing asset, something I had wanted.
I resigned from active flying some years ago. I don’t awake to an alarm clock in the middle of the afternoon to operate some polar operation for 15 hours. I choose to go to places in this world with my family when I want to and, I don’t have to worry about running my bank account dry.
A changed mindset did it for us. I have a renewed incredible relationship with my wife and family.
I am grateful to have had the career that I did however; it cannot replace the life I have now.
I hear your pain and it isn’t just in the ME.
Best wishes to you all.
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Came here at a low point, laid off and not many opportunities. Thought it would be a 1-2 year stint, an asterisk in my career.
First year was a typical Dubai experience of Brunches, Holidays, and expenditures.
Second year was frugal as I figured another opportunity was imminent and i should just work and save. Downsized my car, my flat, and paid off a fair chunk of my debts and was ready to "go"".
Third year was a low point, until I came to a realization that I was living and working here. I needed to be "here". I (politely) avoided other pilots and families who basically lived like I was, one foot out the door and constantly b*tching about the company, country, and counting the days until the next holiday "home". I made friends with long term expats rather than the 1-2 year contract crowd.
The next few years were my favorite here. I pursued new interests and rediscovered old ones. I turned my uni-student themed house into a home. I embraced life here and found it to be rewarding even with the frustrations.
Then I hit another wall. As I close in on a decade I realize neither the company nor the country really want me here for another decade. While I don't regret my time here, I also know that either I leave on my own terms or I will become entrenched and bitter and all the good memories of my time here will scatter like a fart in the wind.
I have an exit strategy and time line. It's nothing drastic or rash, but it includes some time off from working to re-calibrate some of my Dubaisms. I'll be debt free and money in my pocket, and am determined to not look back at my time here and think it wasted.
Truth is, when I get on that flight home with just a backpack slung over my shoulder and hear my final "yis boss".. i'm gonna miss this place.
First year was a typical Dubai experience of Brunches, Holidays, and expenditures.
Second year was frugal as I figured another opportunity was imminent and i should just work and save. Downsized my car, my flat, and paid off a fair chunk of my debts and was ready to "go"".
Third year was a low point, until I came to a realization that I was living and working here. I needed to be "here". I (politely) avoided other pilots and families who basically lived like I was, one foot out the door and constantly b*tching about the company, country, and counting the days until the next holiday "home". I made friends with long term expats rather than the 1-2 year contract crowd.
The next few years were my favorite here. I pursued new interests and rediscovered old ones. I turned my uni-student themed house into a home. I embraced life here and found it to be rewarding even with the frustrations.
Then I hit another wall. As I close in on a decade I realize neither the company nor the country really want me here for another decade. While I don't regret my time here, I also know that either I leave on my own terms or I will become entrenched and bitter and all the good memories of my time here will scatter like a fart in the wind.
I have an exit strategy and time line. It's nothing drastic or rash, but it includes some time off from working to re-calibrate some of my Dubaisms. I'll be debt free and money in my pocket, and am determined to not look back at my time here and think it wasted.
Truth is, when I get on that flight home with just a backpack slung over my shoulder and hear my final "yis boss".. i'm gonna miss this place.
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Came here at a low point, laid off and not many opportunities. Thought it would be a 1-2 year stint, an asterisk in my career.
First year was a typical Dubai experience of Brunches, Holidays, and expenditures.
Second year was frugal as I figured another opportunity was imminent and i should just work and save. Downsized my car, my flat, and paid off a fair chunk of my debts and was ready to "go"".
Third year was a low point, until I came to a realization that I was living and working here. I needed to be "here". I (politely) avoided other pilots and families who basically lived like I was, one foot out the door and constantly b*tching about the company, country, and counting the days until the next holiday "home". I made friends with long term expats rather than the 1-2 year contract crowd.
The next few years were my favorite here. I pursued new interests and rediscovered old ones. I turned my uni-student themed house into a home. I embraced life here and found it to be rewarding even with the frustrations.
Then I hit another wall. As I close in on a decade I realize neither the company nor the country really want me here for another decade. While I don't regret my time here, I also know that either I leave on my own terms or I will become entrenched and bitter and all the good memories of my time here will scatter like a fart in the wind.
I have an exit strategy and time line. It's nothing drastic or rash, but it includes some time off from working to re-calibrate some of my Dubaisms. I'll be debt free and money in my pocket, and am determined to not look back at my time here and think it wasted.
Truth is, when I get on that flight home with just a backpack slung over my shoulder and hear my final "yis boss".. i'm gonna miss this place.
First year was a typical Dubai experience of Brunches, Holidays, and expenditures.
Second year was frugal as I figured another opportunity was imminent and i should just work and save. Downsized my car, my flat, and paid off a fair chunk of my debts and was ready to "go"".
Third year was a low point, until I came to a realization that I was living and working here. I needed to be "here". I (politely) avoided other pilots and families who basically lived like I was, one foot out the door and constantly b*tching about the company, country, and counting the days until the next holiday "home". I made friends with long term expats rather than the 1-2 year contract crowd.
The next few years were my favorite here. I pursued new interests and rediscovered old ones. I turned my uni-student themed house into a home. I embraced life here and found it to be rewarding even with the frustrations.
Then I hit another wall. As I close in on a decade I realize neither the company nor the country really want me here for another decade. While I don't regret my time here, I also know that either I leave on my own terms or I will become entrenched and bitter and all the good memories of my time here will scatter like a fart in the wind.
I have an exit strategy and time line. It's nothing drastic or rash, but it includes some time off from working to re-calibrate some of my Dubaisms. I'll be debt free and money in my pocket, and am determined to not look back at my time here and think it wasted.
Truth is, when I get on that flight home with just a backpack slung over my shoulder and hear my final "yis boss".. i'm gonna miss this place.
Having dealt with 4 airline failures and having avoided a 5th (let you guess that one) I thought I’d add my perspective here.
Just like everyone else I’ve been through the gambit of emotions and stages that everyone seems to here, that being said, after I’d been here 7 years I suddenly realised that I had the financial monkey off my back. Along the way I’ve actively avoided any significant involvement with other EK colleagues and I’ve made a concerted effort to ignore all the moans, groans, missives, FCI’s, ACI’s, company updates, training edicts and the half a hundred other small cuts and directives imposed at various times.
The result is that I go to work with a mindset of looking after myself and my crew first and foremost without ever being concerned about fleet or the other oxygen thieves.
This place is what you make of it, I couldn’t give too sh1ts about the locals, the airline or the BS that other people mistakenly believe they can change. When I leave here my kids will have been adequately educated, my mortgage will be 0 and I will have enough invested to see myself and my good wife into a long retirement, until then, when you work with me I will be the first to buy you a beer and laugh at the @ssholes we work for.
I should add that with a little bit of thought it’s been very easy to continue to bring 4 litres of fire water back into these uncivilised parts.
Just like everyone else I’ve been through the gambit of emotions and stages that everyone seems to here, that being said, after I’d been here 7 years I suddenly realised that I had the financial monkey off my back. Along the way I’ve actively avoided any significant involvement with other EK colleagues and I’ve made a concerted effort to ignore all the moans, groans, missives, FCI’s, ACI’s, company updates, training edicts and the half a hundred other small cuts and directives imposed at various times.
The result is that I go to work with a mindset of looking after myself and my crew first and foremost without ever being concerned about fleet or the other oxygen thieves.
This place is what you make of it, I couldn’t give too sh1ts about the locals, the airline or the BS that other people mistakenly believe they can change. When I leave here my kids will have been adequately educated, my mortgage will be 0 and I will have enough invested to see myself and my good wife into a long retirement, until then, when you work with me I will be the first to buy you a beer and laugh at the @ssholes we work for.
I should add that with a little bit of thought it’s been very easy to continue to bring 4 litres of fire water back into these uncivilised parts.
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Well, he actually said that Delta wouldn't give him a 'silver Chauffeur [sic] sedan to and from Atlanta airport from my house'.
Some of those poor Deltoids have to drive their own Ford F150's from Peachtree City to the employee parking lot.
Some of those poor Deltoids have to drive their own Ford F150's from Peachtree City to the employee parking lot.
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I have had enough here too.
When I joined it was a far far different company to what it is today, people were generally happier and the mood was so much brighter. I wasn't flying my ass off, crazy tired and constantly struggling with close to minimum days off and 90+ hours month in month out.
I was proud to work for Emirates at that stage, then things slowly started to change. Now I go to work, do my job and countdown till I leave. There is ridiculous pressure from management and the threat based environment they have created, whilst sticking their head in the sand and telling everyone that there is no threat is crazy. Silly little petty rules that are brought in that don't save money but just cause bad feeling and resentment, examples of which are no more duty-free, no more than 1 day off before/after leave, not being allowed to officially bring in anything that doesn't fit in your suitcase etc etc. When management know the mood amongst the flight and cabin crew and yet they seemingly go out of their way to make things more miserable. Why???
The one thing that is still reasonable, depending on the length of service and position, is the salary. Even the salary is however rapidly spiraling southwards with no pay raises, no step increases, whilst inflation, tax and excise duties eat away bit by bit. Is it any wonder the few they get to join still are from somewhat disadvantaged countries or those are desperate for a jet rating.
I do however still look at friends in the western countries who struggle to make ends meet and when I'm feeling low remind myself of a reasonably bright future should I keep saving. In most countries things for the average worker are not bright and shiny, unfortunately, we are starting to feel that too.
I suffer this today for the quality of life tomorrow, I just hope I make it to tomorrow with the crazy workload and management environment we have these days.
When I joined it was a far far different company to what it is today, people were generally happier and the mood was so much brighter. I wasn't flying my ass off, crazy tired and constantly struggling with close to minimum days off and 90+ hours month in month out.
I was proud to work for Emirates at that stage, then things slowly started to change. Now I go to work, do my job and countdown till I leave. There is ridiculous pressure from management and the threat based environment they have created, whilst sticking their head in the sand and telling everyone that there is no threat is crazy. Silly little petty rules that are brought in that don't save money but just cause bad feeling and resentment, examples of which are no more duty-free, no more than 1 day off before/after leave, not being allowed to officially bring in anything that doesn't fit in your suitcase etc etc. When management know the mood amongst the flight and cabin crew and yet they seemingly go out of their way to make things more miserable. Why???
The one thing that is still reasonable, depending on the length of service and position, is the salary. Even the salary is however rapidly spiraling southwards with no pay raises, no step increases, whilst inflation, tax and excise duties eat away bit by bit. Is it any wonder the few they get to join still are from somewhat disadvantaged countries or those are desperate for a jet rating.
I do however still look at friends in the western countries who struggle to make ends meet and when I'm feeling low remind myself of a reasonably bright future should I keep saving. In most countries things for the average worker are not bright and shiny, unfortunately, we are starting to feel that too.
I suffer this today for the quality of life tomorrow, I just hope I make it to tomorrow with the crazy workload and management environment we have these days.
Last edited by felixthecat; 14th Jan 2018 at 13:59.
short flights long nights
And Felix, this is were you have to be careful. You 'suffer" today for the hope of a better life tomorrow. And when what is your cut off point between suffering today and a good life tomorrow?
Speak to Harry..all s good. Speak to me...I think you should get your arse out of there yesterday.....its all up to you.
But as I have said before...if you were lying on your death bed right now...would you say...I wish I had spent one ,ore year in EK" ?
Speak to Harry..all s good. Speak to me...I think you should get your arse out of there yesterday.....its all up to you.
But as I have said before...if you were lying on your death bed right now...would you say...I wish I had spent one ,ore year in EK" ?
Problem is Monarch Man even with that attitude what happens when something happens that’s out of your control and the companies first reaction is to fire you? I’m sure even you would be slightly pissed if you were the augmenting Captain or FO on 207 (or any of the multiple other examples we could list) and through no fault of your own your job was on the line? That’s not much of a way to live your life or really enjoy work is it? I too try to ignore the missives however the constant attacks and blatant lies and disrespect eventually wear even the strongest person down and it’s sad that pretty much everyone on the line is unhappy and fearful for the future. Surely that’s causing long term damage to both the employees and the company?
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I agree with you SOPS however we can't all drive trains for a living (in fact, in my home country the working schedules are terrible). So like Felix, I will slog it out for a while longer so that when I do finally leave EK i won't have to worry about the next sh***y airline that I will have to work for. This life just isn't what I signed up for, and I can't see the next place being any better.......
Excellent posts by all. Rather sad though. I got 17 years in the ME but booted out for being, as my ex CP told me over a JD & coke (that I bought him) for being a pain in the rectum ! Cared too much. Glad to be out of it and all of you lining your pockets & dreaming of retirement, keep on. It is rough & not the same but boy, I have loved my last 8 years in the Cyprus sun, bobbing about in my Lidle's inflatable, spilling my JD & Coke and shouting at Nigel as he still gets that final base turn all wrong over my pool ! Still treasure the fondest of times.
Was recently asked by a wannabe if I could recommend the career. Spilled my Jack down the front of my Aya Nappa Hard Rock shirt !
Was recently asked by a wannabe if I could recommend the career. Spilled my Jack down the front of my Aya Nappa Hard Rock shirt !
Problem is Monarch Man even with that attitude what happens when something happens that’s out of your control and the companies first reaction is to fire you? I’m sure even you would be slightly pissed if you were the augmenting Captain or FO on 207 (or any of the multiple other examples we could list) and through no fault of your own your job was on the line? That’s not much of a way to live your life or really enjoy work is it? I too try to ignore the missives however the constant attacks and blatant lies and disrespect eventually wear even the strongest person down and it’s sad that pretty much everyone on the line is unhappy and fearful for the future. Surely that’s causing long term damage to both the employees and the company?
Professionally I view the vast majority of the individuals above my pay grade in the same way I do with the solid matter I deposit in the porcelain palace.
Lies and disrespect? who fecking cares? They are so out of touch it’s laughable! they can keep damaging as much as they want, meanwhile I will take full advantage and laugh and press “2” whilst doing it. Muppets the lot of them, not even worth the time to care about, that is the result of their attitude and astounding lack of leadership.
Last edited by Monarch Man; 14th Jan 2018 at 15:15. Reason: Blasted auto collect, err correctly, correct
Totally agree Monarch.
Sometimes we can forget we control what happens with our lives. Take control. If being here is slowly taking your will to live, then do something about it. There has not been a better time to do so for decades. You need to make a decision and be happy with it, be it to stay or leave. It really is that simple. Many say things have changed since they joined. What they mean is, things for them have changed since they joined. Pilots have been sacked for no good reason in the decade and a half I have been here. Hours on one the fleets has been at 100hrs since we started ULR in 2004. Leave has been sh@t since since that Pr@ck Ed said we were temporarily only get 30days, the list goes on.
It's only a job. Once you get home leave the company and the emails from the muppets alone. Delete company email from your phone. Don't let them wear you down. They ain't worth it.
Sometimes we can forget we control what happens with our lives. Take control. If being here is slowly taking your will to live, then do something about it. There has not been a better time to do so for decades. You need to make a decision and be happy with it, be it to stay or leave. It really is that simple. Many say things have changed since they joined. What they mean is, things for them have changed since they joined. Pilots have been sacked for no good reason in the decade and a half I have been here. Hours on one the fleets has been at 100hrs since we started ULR in 2004. Leave has been sh@t since since that Pr@ck Ed said we were temporarily only get 30days, the list goes on.
It's only a job. Once you get home leave the company and the emails from the muppets alone. Delete company email from your phone. Don't let them wear you down. They ain't worth it.