
Am I really moving to Dubai?
After my assessment day with Emirates I didn’t expect to hear anything soon, but the almost 12 month waiting period, had me at my wit’s end. When my “golden call” finally arrived, I was in shock! It was happening. Six weeks after that Open Day and 6 months after I first applied, I was moving to Dubai.
Since that recruitment journey, I have seen over 50 cities, on 5 continents and operated on more than 60 flights. I relish my role as Cabin Crew. Despite the early mornings (think 2am wake up calls), late nights, unsociable hours and daily challenges from panty hose to bloody noses, being Cabin Crew is still a pretty amazing job. I love to travel, see new places, meet people from all different walks of life, and try the most authentically bizarre cuisine from all around the world. I love capturing moments from layovers, and they’re enough to make anyone want to jump on a plane and move to Dubai (or so I am told!)
I must admit that whilst Cabin Crew isn’t a role suited for everyone (patience, flexibility, adaptability and an open mind are essential), it is a job that will change you and your life forever! I now think nothing of travelling to Zurich for a day with friends, or flying from San Francisco to Dubai to Perth within a day to see my family. Flying has become a part of my normal everyday life. With hindsight, I think I can happily say that my OCD preparation, my multitasking and the balancing of my old life with my newfound project paid off brilliantly. I seem to suit being crew! Will You?
The huge sacrifice is worth the gains, especially as a Western woman living in the Middle East. It can come as a culture shock to some although I adjusted well to life in Dubai and I really enjoyed my lifestyle as crew. Soon I will be moving back to Australia, to work for a local airline much closer to home.