I've hit my wall working in ME.
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: home
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In the ME you never, ever get 'home'.
It is an illusion as great as the falsity of the city itself, and only after leaving, and recovering, does one realise how true that is.
The same opinions will be made over and over :Those who 'stay' (handcuffed? By money? By career path?) and say they make it work for them. And those who say I realigned my view on the meaning of life and left.
I asked myself the question that if I or a member of my family was to die in Dubai, or get a terminal illness, how would I feel about my last 7 years spent in Dubai?
My resignation letter written shortly thereafter was written with not the slightest feeling of apprehension.
It is an illusion as great as the falsity of the city itself, and only after leaving, and recovering, does one realise how true that is.
The same opinions will be made over and over :Those who 'stay' (handcuffed? By money? By career path?) and say they make it work for them. And those who say I realigned my view on the meaning of life and left.
I asked myself the question that if I or a member of my family was to die in Dubai, or get a terminal illness, how would I feel about my last 7 years spent in Dubai?
My resignation letter written shortly thereafter was written with not the slightest feeling of apprehension.
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: United Arab Emirates
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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.
Very well put - I think this is the same for a lot of us.
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Arakis
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To iffb and others in same dilemma
For what it's worth if you don't mind me saying your too much settled there. When I left ME just over year ago it was blessing in disguise. Getting more money then before, working 50% in Europe and 50% ...oh lets say in far east..fantastic turn of events. My advice to you, is move now and move quickly before it's too late and the opportunities missed. Of course MEcarriers want you all to themselves full time slave. With the heavy flying roster you don't have time to think,plan,send cv or even plan interview without calling sick or ask for leave....yep they have you keep flying to keep your mind of other things and your too fatigued to look for a job!
Finally if you decide it's time for change don't forget logbook stamped updated, licence verification letter, police clearance letter or CRC nearer to leaving time, references etc. Your potentials will want these land asap amber. Good luck
Finally if you decide it's time for change don't forget logbook stamped updated, licence verification letter, police clearance letter or CRC nearer to leaving time, references etc. Your potentials will want these land asap amber. Good luck
It's a function of the job. Heavily SOP based with little recourse to skill or judgement, rosters which use the FTLs at targets, not limits and management who offer no respect and are only too keen to blame. Not to mention the constant onslaught on terms and conditions. Flying is boring and I go to work with little or no enthusiasm for the job. I won't be flying for much longer I feel.
Won't say the flying is boring - but just so restrictive.
Join Date: Feb 2001
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You're not alone, thousands of EK pilots are in the same boat with you. But it isn't just EK, it's the whole industry. My previous airlines, where my friends work now etc... Its all the same. Things are spiralling out of control. Maybe it will turn around when there is an extreme pilot shortage in a decade or so, but by then I'll be long gone from aviation.
It is sad to see this incredible profession go down the drain. I used to be so proud to wear the uniform and call myself a professional pilot. Not anymore, I have no pride left in what I do. The whole industry is a sad disgrace. Every other day another stupid procedure or threatening email about how hopeless we are, meanwhile we drift further and further from actually doing what we do best... Fly aeroplane's.
Now just counting down until the money bucket is full and I'll be back in my home country. Like another poster said, just passing the time now... PPC to PPC, nodding my head but inside couldn't care less. Sad reality but that's what it is now.
It is sad to see this incredible profession go down the drain. I used to be so proud to wear the uniform and call myself a professional pilot. Not anymore, I have no pride left in what I do. The whole industry is a sad disgrace. Every other day another stupid procedure or threatening email about how hopeless we are, meanwhile we drift further and further from actually doing what we do best... Fly aeroplane's.
Now just counting down until the money bucket is full and I'll be back in my home country. Like another poster said, just passing the time now... PPC to PPC, nodding my head but inside couldn't care less. Sad reality but that's what it is now.
I have to disagree with that one. I didn't realize how bad EK had become until I went back to my previous airline. I agree that Emirates has been ruined by incompetent managers. But there are still many great airlines out there which provide flexibility, time off and huge earning potential.
The Cooler King
Join Date: Feb 2004
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I'll quote Seneca as what I feel is an apt comment for your situations...
“Set aside a certain number of days, during which you shall be content with the scantest and cheapest fare, with coarse and rough dress, saying to yourself the while: ‘Is this the condition that I so feared?’
“Set aside a certain number of days, during which you shall be content with the scantest and cheapest fare, with coarse and rough dress, saying to yourself the while: ‘Is this the condition that I so feared?’
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Out of interest, what sort of duty hours per year will you work at one of the ME3? I understand your AL is sporadic, but by the end of the year do you get your full leave quota?
Join Date: Jan 2004
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900-1000 hrs including dh hours a year, 30 outof the yearly 45 days leave on paper. Already 4 month nothing I bid for...including no requests during my topbid month.
First biidding round for leave, again absolutely zero days gotten. Outof all the years in this company I got 4 weeks of leave with my family. Month of feb close to 90 hrs, not more than 2 days off on a row, again.
Yes im 777, and no , not happy.
Leaving in 10 months.
First biidding round for leave, again absolutely zero days gotten. Outof all the years in this company I got 4 weeks of leave with my family. Month of feb close to 90 hrs, not more than 2 days off on a row, again.
Yes im 777, and no , not happy.
Leaving in 10 months.
