So, you want to become an expat pilot? You see that it offers opportunities for your career, your bank balance and your personal growth. That just can’t be ignored.
I felt exactly the same way! With that, I liquidated my life. My worldly possessions were condensed into five boxes and a suitcase and I moved to the Middle East.
I survived the transition but over the last year I believe I’ve been through three very obvious stages. My story is typical of most who decide to join the expat community. Settling into your new job and new existence is not easy. However, knowing that others have made it through ahead of you might soften the blow.
Stage One: Disbelief and Shock
Congrats! You took the plunge, submitted an application, studied your ass off and now you have your dream job.Then you remember that you have to move half way around the world, or at least somewhere outside your comfort zone. Disbelief has struck.
Becoming an expat pilot is something that most of your peers don’t have the will, aptitude or guts to do. Wherever you’re moving, things are going to get a whole lot different. It’ll all come thick and fast from here on, so be prepared.
I had three months to pack up my life and make the move to Dubai. It seemed surreal - like the moment would never come. I started slowly. Selling a few things, throwing some stuff away and making an effort to catch up with people. Suddenly the final week arrived. I thought I’d done all the preparation I needed to. Instead,it was a mad rush to empty my house and desperately say goodbye to everyone. We sat at the airport – passport and boarding pass in hand. I stared at the departures board waiting for EK448 to be called. It was late. I was tired. All the emotions, that I didn’t think would come, came at once and I cried (like no grown man should). It finally hit. I was about to leave my family, friends and comfortable familiar life behind.
Touch down! You have arrived and quickly disbelief becomes shock. Shock is a survival mode and you will spend the first couple of weeks in this shocked and disoriented state. Everything is new and you need to push through to set up your new life and survive. On top of that you have to meet new people, a new company culture to learn and a new plane to fly! Don’t underestimate how much energy this will require.
That’s just how it felt for me when we walked out of the airport. It was hot, it was busy and I’d never seen so much sand before in my life. A man with broken Englishpicked us up and took us to our temporary accommodation. It was different than I expected. Everything was novel and it overwhelmed the senses. In the first couple of weeks, I struggled. On more than one occasions I’d sit there and wonder “what the hell am I doing here”.
Don’t worry! This is normal! The body and mind adapt faster than you’d think. Slowly things start to become familiar, you start to get your life in order and you’ll even score a few wins (like managing to buy a bed). Make the most of the small victories. The shock will slowly dwindle and you’ll start to more into stage two: euphoria.
This is the start of the expat journey. It’s a journey that isn’t for everyone. It’s a continual challenge and most certainly a battle at first. But that’s part of the adventure, that’s part of the thrill. I know you’ll take it all in your stride. Just like those before you and you’ll be a better person, and a better pilot, for it.