Commuting to Europe.

[init2winit]

Does anyone or has anyone ever commuted to Europe or the Middle East? Does anyone know of anybody who has/is? I ask because it looks like I'll be moving to Aus for about two years. I work 4 weeks on/ 4 weeks off and would have to travel to Europe or the Middle east to meet the aeroplane.
I'm interested in knowing what affect it has on them and what the jet lag is like etc... I am a pilot but would like to hear from anybody who has done this whether they are office based or whatever.

Thanks
Init

[Fonz121]

I met a guy about a year back who commutes to the middle east. He does 35 on 30 off and lives in regional NSW.

I can't really comment on what impact it has on your life except for what he said. He said he enjoyed it but he had just recently gone through a divorce because of it so take that as you will.

So possible but if you have a family than it can take its toll was the lesson I took from that.

[Capt Fathom]

He said he enjoyed it but he had just recently gone through a divorce because of it.

Hmmm.

Will I commute or will I get divorced?

Divorce has nothing to do with commuting!

Just a convenient excuse for much deeper problems!

But I digress.....

[zlin77]

I commute to Istanbul ex OZ 6 weeks on 2 off, no serious side effects so far...

[Oxidant]

I was doing the month on month off, around the world for a while.
Fine, if you have an understanding wife & they pay you to travel J or F !

[init2winit]

Thanks for that. It's my wife's fault that we are moving to Oz!!! I'm the understanding husband! Anything for a easy life

[twiggs]

Heard of a BA captain commuting from Brisbane a few years back.
There are a few QF cabin crew commuting from Europe to Aus.

[remoak]

I commuted from NZ to Europe for 18 months (6 on, two off). No real issues if you can get some sleep on the way.

[Propstop]

I commute to Africa doing a six on/off and have been doing it for about 9 years now. Unfortunately it is cattle class in a usually packed aircraft and I find the jet lag takes at least three days before you are starting to have a normal sleep pattern at both ends.
I am fortunate I have a very good and understanding wife but I am now thoroughly sick of the travel. It is sheer hard work.

[Transition Layer]

I met a BA 777 F/O in Auckland who was commuting to London via LA. NZ is probably the furthest place possible away from the UK so it's a pretty big call!

He seemed pretty happy with it though - I guess your GBP would go a long way in NZ!