Life as an Emirates Cabin Crew: The Good, the Bad, and the Realities
Working as a Cabin Crew member for Emirates, one of the world's leading airlines, is a unique blend of adventure, excitement, and profession. While it offers an unparalleled opportunity to travel the globe and experience different cultures, it also comes with its share of challenges and sacrifices. In this article, we will delve into what life as an Emirates Cabin Crew member entails, detailing the highs and lows, as well as the reasons why some choose to quit.
The Best Days of Your Life
Working as an Emirates Cabin Crew member can be the best and the worst days of your life. One of the most appealing aspects of this role is the opportunity to visit Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, all under the same contract. You get to live, travel, and party with people from a hundred different countries, enjoying the sunny city of Dubai.
As far as accommodations go, you don't need to worry about financial stress since your living expenses are paid for. However, the financial compensation will differ based on your origin. If you come from Europe, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Australasia, or North America, the salary is satisfactory. On the other hand, if you come from a less affluent country, the pay might beat what a lawyer typically earns.
The Lows
However, there are downsides to this glamorous gig. Dubai can be incredibly hot, making it a physically demanding environment. The work schedule is intense, with an average of 125 flying hours a month. This can lead to back-to-back layovers and turnaround flights, leaving you with minimal rest. While some might find this challenging, it's an essential part of the job.
In addition, the culture of authority and bullying in Gulf airlines might be a difficult adjustment for westerners. Workers in this region have no rights, which can be a concerning issue. Moreover, the passengers from some developing countries may have questionable manners and outdated toilet habits. This can be frustrating, requiring you to 'suck up' to some rudeness and discomfort.
The Facebook Phenomenon and 'Wannabes'
There is a Facebook group of 'Emirates wannabes' who are self-entitled and often hostile towards each other. The level of backstabbing, hatred, and competition is quite unappealing and gross. After joining and experiencing the negativity, the writer promptly left the group. They wouldn't want to work alongside such a crew, stating that earning peanuts as a cabin crew member would be less rewarding than working as a scientist and traveling to all destinations around the world.
Master Class for Your Success
For those aspiring to join Emirates, there are resources available to help prepare for the interview. A master class video database provides guidance on how to pass the Emirates interview. The website also offers assessments, interview tips, and real examples. Joining such resources can significantly improve your chances of success.
Emirates has a dedicated site for those interested in cabin crew positions, where you can find plenty of information about the lifestyle, the reasons why others choose to quit, and more.
While working as an Emirates Cabin Crew member can be a fantastic experience, it may not be suitable for everyone, and it's essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully.