When/if hiring ever comes back in a few years, consider applying to Qatar. Similar experience but we work a whole lot less than the EK guys. Money is better too. We have minimum 24 hour layovers with many that are 48/72 hours as well. Much better company in my opinion. Qatar/Emirates are about the same size with the same destinations. Ofcourse, right now its a game of survival. I was hired at a couple U.S legacy carriers and chose not to leave. The money in Qatar is very good. You will start at $156,000 as a brand new FO all in tax-free. Captains range from $216,000-$400,000. The high end are management pilots. It's certainly not perfect but my last 13 years here were nothing short of amazing. We average 14 days off and get 42 days vacation/2 weeks sick along with excellent medical/dental benefits.