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.
By now the shock is starting to wear off. You’re finding your way. You’ve made new friends. You have a favourite drinking hole and, as you relax with a cold brew, you take stock of your new life.
You’re learning a new type - it’s shiny and new. You’re new employer is better than expected. You’re meeting new friends everyday. You count yourself lucky to have met like-minded people. Overall, you’re pretty happy with your decision to join the expat community. In fact, everything is amazing!
After a stint of short-haul flying, I missed the long-haul life. So, being thrown into the right hand seat of a wide-body jet was better than I’d thought. Suddenly I had the chance to visit places I’d only imagined. I was “living the dream”. People would point out the bad bits but I’d always see the bright side. I was determined to embrace my new life and soak up as much as I could. On trips and at home, I did as much as I could. I met as many people as I could and tried to make the most of my new life.
As pilots, we love to have a good moan about our job. It’s important you don’t get caught up in the negativity. Stay on the high as long as you can. At Emirates, positive trainers and positive friends and family surrounded me. Stick with these people! Their support is essential.
While you’re in the mood, get out and see your new city. Travel as much as you can and take up new hobbies. Include your family and friends in these experiences too. Use the energy to build a new life for yourself. You want to prolong this elation as long as you can! Trust me, this is the time to build a solid foundation for your expat life -things are going to change again soon.
Slowly, maybe suddenly, cracks will start to appear in the facade. You’ll start to notice things you didn’t notice before. Other things will annoy you a little. You don’t feel the same way you did. This is normal as well - you’re starting to move into stage three: realisation and reality.
Once you move past the disbelief and shock stage, your brain reacts to the constant stimulation. Chances are you’re the personality type thrives on challenge. Most pilots are and that’s why you’re here! Endorphins flood the brain. Euphoria has struck. It’s good to enjoy your new job. It’s healthy, an essential part of surviving the initial life of an expat. Embrace it!
For me, this rush of blood to the head was essential. It helped me avoid the negativity and see the world through my rose-tinted glasses. Yes you might sound a bit like Polly-Anna but it’s not a bad thing.
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