Originally Posted by
Lugar
Precisely my friend, you get it!! There is a LOT good about the ME carriers.
In some ways, US airlines have spoiled pilots. They now think it’s normal to fly 8-10 days per month and make $150,000 per year doing it. Basically many US pilots don’t want to work, and just want to get paid to stay at home. Middle East carriers are different in that way. I’m very aware, if I go to Dubai, I will work 18 days per month, 900-1000 hours per year. I’m good with that. I became a pilot to fly, not to sit on my butt at home.
Dubai is the best kept secret. Great equipment, great culture, fantastic healthcare, lots to do for the family, and multiple cultures to interact with. It isn’t for everyone, but if you have a good attitude and aren’t afraid to work, Dubai or Qatar are the places to be.
There's a big difference between working 18 days/month and being away from your family 18 days/month.
18 days/month of long-haul flying with near-daily massive circadian disruption is not "work", it's "abuse". Most especially since the fatigue and circadian problems are going to bleed over into nearly every day off you have.
Good luck sustaining that for more than a few years, ME3 don't pay enough to miss out on your family life and destroy your health.
To say nothing of the corporate culture over there (if you ain't a prince, you ain't... )
I don't get paid to fly a jet, I get paid to be away from my family and my life. But I'm only willing to do so much of that. If I'm "spoiled" fine.