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30 years old, single, no kids...go to Emirates?

Middle East Many expats still flying in Knoteetingham. Regional issues can be discussed here.

30 years old, single, no kids...go to Emirates?

Old 9th Mar 2019, 11:30
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30 years old, single, no kids...go to Emirates?

Let’s say I could get a LOA at a regional in Canada. I LOVE the heat (like seriously love hot temperatures). Not looking to settle down. Not a complainer whatsoever.

Is there still money to be made in the sandbox? Are the younger single guys enjoying it? It’s hard to find positive information because most people only come on online forums to complain. I imagine there are some happy guys out there.

Is the Middle East just best avoided with the changing political climate? Seems like they’re finally running out of money there. Then again, Dubai is a geographically important hub. Is that enough to keep things going?

Thoughts?
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Old 9th Mar 2019, 12:53
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Originally Posted by Talktotopper
Let’s say I could get a LOA at a regional in Canada. I LOVE the heat (like seriously love hot temperatures). Not looking to settle down. Not a complainer whatsoever.

Is there still money to be made in the sandbox? Are the younger single guys enjoying it? It’s hard to find positive information because most people only come on online forums to complain. I imagine there are some happy guys out there.

Is the Middle East just best avoided with the changing political climate? Seems like they’re finally running out of money there. Then again, Dubai is a geographically important hub. Is that enough to keep things going?

Thoughts?
I spent 15 years there after the demise of my former company. The LOA would be a show stopper as EK still demands a letter from your current company confirming your resignation, they follow this up with a call to your HR department and chief pilot as well. The bond for new hires is 5 years and it takes 7 years to be able to take 100% of your provident fund home with you. Commands are still on the 5-7 year mark but that is destined to change as EK embarks on a new "business plan"..you will have to figure out what that means.

As a single guy you would be able to bank money every month as long as you don't fall into the trap of buying an Aston Martin and all the other high priced crap that will assist you in leaving the Middle East with nothing but fatigue. A lot of guys who arrive single end up leaving with a girlfriend or wife from somewhere else on the globe who may not want to settle in Coldada...even the west coast! There will be many little such things that will rear their heads as you spend time in the ME.

If it was me, knowing what I know now, I would be inclined to join Air Canada. You can achieve a command within 3 years now and they are hiring like mad. You get to stay close to family and friends, fly 14 days per month or less and if you want heat, then bid for a long stretch of time off with a bidding system that actually works then go to Cuba for 3 weeks of tequila and beaches with lovely cuban ladies on them.

As for the rest of the complaints about EK and the other 2, just know that generally where there is smoke, there is fire. We all thought things would get better but after 13 years they never have and certainly never will.
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Old 9th Mar 2019, 14:42
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I concur with outlaw !
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Old 9th Mar 2019, 20:38
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A little bit of thread creep but it does crack me up when people who have never been to Dubai say, "I'd be okay there, I like the heat!" Trust us veterans, you have no idea what the "heat" is like until you have been here from June to September. The heat is one thing but it is the 90% humidity (along with the 45 degree temperatures) that will drive you crazy and have you begging for a layover somewhere, anywhere. You haven't lived until you have encountered 35 degree fog!

Back on track, what Outlaw says is spot on.

Last edited by BigGeordie; 11th Mar 2019 at 09:00.
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Old 10th Mar 2019, 05:26
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Honestly don't go there, unless you have absolutely no other alternative. EK is last choice in my books. I was in your position three years ago and thought that it can't be as bad as people portray it. I suffered a bit from shiny jet syndrome as well so I went across to experience it for myself. How wrong I was......
Needless to say I didn't finish my five years, I saved as much as I could, payed EK the outstanding amount for the bond and left for greener pastures - literally greener pastures.
I am cured of all forms of shiny jet syndrome, cured of the urge to fly long haul and cured from trying to make as much money as possible. These days I appreciate the smaller things in life again.
Like all other posters above said, don't underestimate Dubai and EK and what it will eventually do to you long term.... It is just not worth it!
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Old 10th Mar 2019, 08:21
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Level of crumpet

If you’re coming for the girls these days.....nah. Even if they’re a rare good looking one, they won’t come off their phone to chat to you
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Old 10th Mar 2019, 08:23
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RARE good looking one???
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Old 10th Mar 2019, 13:38
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Originally Posted by Spamcam
I am cured of all forms of shiny jet syndrome, cured of the urge to fly long haul and cured from trying to make as much money as possible. These days I appreciate the smaller things in life again.
Like all other posters above said, don't underestimate Dubai and EK and what it will eventually do to you long term.... It is just not worth it!
Its a common theme. EK cured me of my love for flying in general, they are masters of taking the fun out of flying and made it as much fun as working on an assembly line! Thankfully I now have a fun job flying a small aircraft with a good bunch of guys, decent pay and lots of time off. All the guys (myself included) in my generation who have left EK to go home all say the same thing about the little things in life. Its hard to explain but you have to live in a place devoid of realism to see what you're missing. People can turn into complete a$$holes in short order in Dubai and I say that from personal experience, I not the same short tempered person I was when I was there.

All that said from this and the other posts, its a personal choice. You will give up a lot of the known and "yet to be known" things in life. You will get an experience and meet many good people, you'll meet a lot of d1cks too. The places you fly to will get old pretty quick and the majority of layovers are 24 hours or less which doesn't give you a lot of time to see the sights. I never messed with any of the girls because my wife said I wasn't allowed to, but what Shawdonclouds said is pretty close to the mark. They are too busy on their phones to chat, are millennials ,or are from some far far away place and don't talk to people not of their own race, color, religion etc....to each their own!

Good luck with your choice. Use what is on this forum as a loose framework to understand what is happening at EK then go there for an interview if you possibly can and then make up your mind using the biggest head.
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Old 10th Mar 2019, 16:42
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As a Canadian I did over 20 years at EK. All airlines were merging in CA with no hiring at the time so off I went.
i was about your age when I joined and was fortunate to have been there for the good years.
i left on my terms and was able to retire. However
kids grew up without home roots
lived out of a suitcase when in Canada ( you can now own seasonal property)
Things are now not as they were at EK and living in the UAE is hectic.

Stay in Canada
My AC 787 captain buddy retires in 3 years with 70% I have whats in the bucket I left with.

PM me if you have specific questions.
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Old 10th Mar 2019, 20:29
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Your AC buddy gets doled a certain amount of cash monthly and hopes that his plan stays intact. You have a large stack of capital which belongs to you and you alone. The two situations are by no means similar. You are the winner.
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Old 10th Mar 2019, 21:27
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Very well said, Dropp.

Huddling behind a seniority number clinging to the hope of making it to the pension, and having control over your own financial destiny - as ****ty as it may be at times as an expat - are two very different things.

They each have their pros and cons, and to each their own, but there's no comparison.

The glory days of EK may be over, but the principles remain the same. Trade security for risk, and you may just win big. Or lose.

But at least it ain't boring.
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Old 11th Mar 2019, 02:47
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DtP, I may have been the winner and yes my bucket is a good size having also been in on the ground floor of real estate but I just don't think its repeatable today.

NLH I agree, boring it wasn't.
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Old 12th Mar 2019, 06:00
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Whatever you do just don’t marry an Aussie girl
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Old 12th Mar 2019, 07:48
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Originally Posted by the outlaw
i never messed with any of the girls because my wife said i wasn't allowed to.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
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Old 13th Mar 2019, 11:33
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“Hi sirrrrrrrrrr! Welcome to Jollibee!

(All money gone.) 😊
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Old 13th Mar 2019, 13:04
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Whats wrong with Aussie girls?
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Old 13th Mar 2019, 13:47
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Originally Posted by ReducedThrust
Whats wrong with Aussie girls?

I am married to one, I'm very happy 😍😍
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Old 13th Mar 2019, 15:42
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Hi Talktotopper,

It is a very personal decision. Sometimes the adventure and trying something different, to have a truly global perspective and settle curiosities is worthwhile. My wife and I came out to the sandpit in search of an adventure and the lifestyle. I would honestly say we don’t regret it but the place has changed considerably in the last 10 years. We didn’t have a 5year bond when we joined and I think it says a lot for the organisation and the place. They shouldn’t have to force people to stay. The reality is we lost a lot of new joiners before they had completed 3years service.

Overall I think Outlaw, Fatbus and Big Geordie have it right. I am not sure this is the place to try for an adventure these days.

There are a lot of sacrifices to living in a place like this. One which is more prominent now is the transient nature of the place. It is hard to really get to know people and build solid relationships and communities.

I am sad to say that the apparent anonymity also encourages many morons and attitudes which show in most of the Middle East threads, attacks on one group or another and many small men making derogatory remarks about their other halves or women in general. There are no end of racist and misogynistic idiots here. See above! 17 hours sat next to these idiots or stuck down route with them and away from your family and true friends can be a challenge.

There are many good people here too, but as I said they come and go quickly and the nature of our work schedule can make it challenging to meet up with your true friends and family.

The decision you make needs to consider all of your personal needs, not just financial and career.

Best of luck
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Old 13th Mar 2019, 19:39
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As some may have mentioned, it’s a personal choice.
Weigh it out with your options in Canada. If your generally happy at Jazz with an option to go to AC, your in a pretty good place.

If you do decide to go to EK, have an exit strategy. The questions you should keep in mind are not just if you will like living in Dubai or working for EK but where am I going to go after. I would keep a 10 year goal in mind to make it worthwhile.

I would suggest committing to the job until you do your upgrade or else you’ll come home farther behind than when you left. Easier said than done.

Keep in mind it’s very hard to move back to Canada to work unless you have a nice stack of cash to buy a house or a solid retirement fund. The other option may be a commuting contract which works well for some but not everyone.

There are tons of negatives, no shortage of information on here. I would say it’s correct and EK will get their pound of flesh out of you.

That being said, at least go and have a look. I was there for 13 years and it worked out really well for us.
It was definitely a better time then and we had some luck financially. It was a grind towards the end and I had to get out of there for sake of my health.

If you have the to option get out of company accommodation do so ASAP, that will be the best thing for mental health.

For me, it was the best move I ever made. Great bunch to fly with, we avoided the trappings and came out farther ahead financially and personally than if we stayed in Canada (even with a pensionable job). As hard as the flying can be fatigue wise, your scope of experience will be very rewarding.

Again, this is all personal opinion. I stayed under the radar. Some friends have gone through some horror stories by no fault if their own.

Be Aware and good luck with whatever decision you make.
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Old 13th Mar 2019, 23:10
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What is the average number of nights a T7 pilot is OFF/HOL per year, i.e. possibly in his/hers own bed? Actual biological sleep cycle notwithstanding.
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