Ever wonder what it would be like to fly in Europe, well.... this is my perspective!

I got furloughed from my company in the US and decided to jump all in and get my JAA ATPL and a 737 type. I took me 6 months to accomplish the task, afterwards I was offered a job in Scandinavia.

Upon arrival, my first experience was their government! I was astounded by the enormous amount of bureaucrats they need over there! 1 in every 3 persons living in Norway works for the government! It was astonishing to witness the mundane mountains of paperwork it took to process even the smallest request. I used to think it was bad at home, but this has given me a completely different perspective and a new appreciation for the US.
Most things are poorly organized over there as well, everything from a simple thing like getting a phoneline set up to dealing with the tax authorities is dim-witted, (and yes....much more so than the IRS, whom in comparison seems like a fantastic organization).
And... the cost of living... is staggering!! Gasoline is $9.00/gallon, a beer in a bar is $12.00 a pint, 38 percent of my salary goes to the government and I am paying $2000 in rent for a small basic apartment! I am making a gross salary of $100 000, which compares to making approx. $35 000 in the US after considering taxes and cost of living.
The climate is dreary and gray, which is reflected in the local populations attitude in general. Everyone complains (but takes no action) about the poor health care system, the substandard schools, high cost of living and preposterous taxes.

To wrap it up! The company is allright and the flying is tolerable. But I can't wait to go home again!

My brother used to fly with them then I had moved him to other airlines.
Basically, what you say sounds as you are confused and happy. Perhaps, it is better to stay for a while in Europe , while you may work. Instead of these worries, whether or not I would be able to purchase the new books for my kids, or pay back the house for my wife. It is always better where we are at current not at. Please enjoy Europe, people are nice in Europe dont you think so? Despite of all, people smile, and are always going ahead and are serious at thinking. Shall be back to flying in December with my brother. Again Enjoy Europe.

Sounds like you did some good research before you went. Or is that you meant to take a job in the Middle East where fuel is $1.70, no clouds on the sky, and there is no income tax. Perhaps you got a browser hijack when you googled "Norway" and you ended up at the wrong place?

Just hang on a few years and the United States will be in the same boat. The good news....you can just stay in Europe and save yourself the return air fare, because things will be the same on this side of the pond.

Just my two cents...devalued to $ .0102365 on today's market close.

G'Luck Mates

Agree!

PS. Wasn't this very thread closed not too long ago?

Could not agree more about the bureaucracy. Even with the establishment of EASA recently… another waste of time and money, which will be replaced with another in 10 years. But hey… look on the bright side. You can travel all over Europe for free on your carrier. You can get some pretty cheap sleeps, now that it is off season. Don’t be a sit in on your days off… get out there and enjoy the continent. After 30 plus years of flying… the industry in the US as it were is long over.

It's always been one of my dreams to fly for a European carrier (put that German minor to good use!). Thank you for your insight! Is it really that easy for an American to get hired to fly overseas?

The good thing though... about socialist states like in Europe is that they never run out of peoples money. Life is stress free.

I guess I'm missing the 'sarcasm smiley' here?

If you think waiting over 16 months for your mom's cancerous brain tumor surgery (Ted Kennedy type) due to the "we'll call you when it's your turn" waiting line is stress free than yes - life is pretty stress free... ...but hey, it's "free" right???

Do you have a scandinavian / EU country passport?