Closing this chapter

Over the past 2 and a half years I have received some amazing messages and feedback in my inbox about how helpful the tips and blogs have been to help you through the recruitment process not only with Emirates but other airlines and travel industry jobs aswell.

I am reflecting on this journey with Emirates beaming with joy. This job has created so much opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and to meet some incredible and influential people.
As my time is now ending in my career in aviation, I feel I am so blessed to have been granted this position.
In my travels I hold some special memories but the most special by far has been meeting my beau, Omar.
In all honesty, it has not been an easy journey flying - I have really struggled sometimes with the lack of sleep and stress it has put under my body. Not only that, but suffering from a health issue that flying has exacerbated and made working at 38,000 feet that bit more challenging.
Fortunately, Emirates were incredible support in helping with my recovery back into good health. My partner Omar has made such a positive influence in my life and trust me, good relationships here go a long way! It has made all the difference in my lifestyle here in Dubai.

With life taking it's course, it's time for me to close a chapter in my book. I will be staying in Dubai moving back into the health and fitness industry, focusing on my own wellness and building a stable life with my partner (Inshallah!)
So goodbye to Emirates - C'est la vie!

To everyone still wishing to apply or going through the application process, don't give up. This is an incredible job to travel, meet new people, expand your horizons and do the unimaginable.
To those on their way over starting their position now, stick in there. Come in with ZERO expectations and just simply experience it for what it is.
Will you find out the job isn't so glamorous? YES
Will you be fatigued and exhausted in every possible way? YES
But will you have amazing stories to share with your loved ones? YES!

Please send through any questions still, my mail is all linked so I won't be forgetting about this blog. A new blog awaits :)

Fly safely

B xxxxxx

So you're moving to Dubai?

I just checked in on my emails after some time and had a few requests to continue blogging.

I do enjoy it but at times I think 'Is my life interesting enough to post about?'

I mentioned this to my boyfriend and he rattled off so many funny stories and crazy events and travels that I get up to, it was nice to hear because sometimes I forget what an adventure this is! 

Before elaborating on the above topics, which I will definitely be doing so soon, I have had some questions thrown to me by readers about living and moving to Dubai.

Moving your whole life over from another country to start fresh here in Dubai is tough, stressful and can be a daunting process. I remember frantically organising documents and thinking 'Is this all worth it?'

There are a lot of things to finalise before you shift to the desert but once you get here I assure you so many of the things you may had initially lost sleep over will be far from your concerns.

If you are fortunate enough to have your accommodation provided by your employer then there's one less thing to worry about, to be honest it was a massive relief to know my apartment was waiting and ready for me.

If you are moving here without a place, know that location and type of accommodation make a huge difference to price in Dubai. Do your research and find a good agent to get you something in your budget.

Cost of living in Dubai is really depending on your lifestyle. 

It can be notably higher due to the cost of housing and retail. 

YES Dubai is a tax free environment but note that you're moving to a new country and in order to be set up and comfortable the first few months in your new surroundings it is harder to minimalist costs. 

Dubai has a lot of great and exciting things to see, which a lot involve costs to travel and enjoy the activities. Ensure you don't live beyond your means here because it can be very easy to get caught up in the exciting Dubai lifestyle of extravagance. 

Living in a new city be aware of costs for transportation and utilities before all else, as it can be a misery trying to settle yourself somewhere on an inadequate salary. 

Ladies, I have read your questions about clothing attire in Dubai.

I honestly believe you CAN wear what you like here (within reason) it all depends on what you're comfortable with.

I feel I do dress more modestly most of the time here in Dubai as opposed to how I would dress in the Australian Summer heat. 

My point is mainly because I would rather not be 'stared at' or be deemed as wearing anything inappropriate as this is an Arabic country where the locals and many surrounding countries are Muslim and modest dress is respected.

There are exceptions where to the gym, the beach and night clubs/bars where it is acceptable to wear your bikini, shorts and short dresses. You will notice that even in the malls some people will dress in the above, however the malls do in fact have a dress code for females to wear modest attire ie: no beach wear, cover shoulders, cover knees etc. I have heard that indeed people have been asked to cover up in the mall if they were not following the dress code.

This doesn't mean you need to rock an abaya but just be sensible and take note of your surroundings.

Alcohol in Dubai can be purchased with an alcohol license. It actually is a very simple process to obtain this by providing a few documents and paying a small fee. This license also is meant to allow you to obtain alcohol in your home.

You will find that you can buy drinks in bars and clubs without providing this licence where the alcohol must be drunk on site. 

Being drunk in public in Dubai is not tolerated and there is zero tolerance for drinking and driving in Dubai.

If you go out, cabs are very easily accessible and cheap to get your way home.

Dubai can be a fun and eye opening place to experience people from all walks of life and live amongst them in a busy and fun multi-cultural City. My main tip is to continue your interests and hobbies here when you move in order to help you feel settled and at home.

Enjoy it! 

Boston

A very light passenger load headed to Boston.

These flights really enhance your spirit and outlook on the role of being cabin crew.

There's time to work and also time to rest.

I joined the crew out for a drink and dinner after landing at a beautiful seafood restaurant on the Waterfront in Boston named Legal Harborside.

Myself and the crew were super impressed with the food, it's a favourite for crew to head there together to have a drink and dinner after the long haul flight from Dubai.

Due to my lack of adjusting well to the local time, I was awake at 3:30am this morning.

My plan was to go to North End Yoga this morning for an Ashtanga LED class.

My yoga practice lately has been mainly consisting of the Ashtanga series and practicing Mysore. This enables me to have my own practice on layovers where I can roll out my mat in any hotel room and get it done. 

I got up walked the chilly streets this morning at 5:30am headed to the class. Directions were easy and I found it in perfect timing.

The studio was huge! So many rooms and floors, very deceiving from the outside.

I rolled out my mat and participated in a sweaty and challenging LED class which was super busy for a 6:15am time.

I felt great practicing here amongst the locals in Boston. The teacher gave great adjustments and her voice created a focused environment. 

After the session, I got lost heading back to the hotel but luckily finding some beautiful spots in small parks and courtyards along the way.

A thought came to mind while walking back, this thought and my post on Instagram as followed;

Like the old saying goes 'Stop and smell the roses.'

Time is forever ticking and it cannot be spent longing for the next hour, day, month or year.

Appreciate and be thankful for you being wherever you are right in this very moment, don't escape emotions or hard feelings by wishing for the next day to wake. Feel all that you can because whatever you're feeling is oh so right. 

December to March.

A recap from my travels and life in December 2014 to March 2015.

I honestly have the worst memory, each flight becomes harder to differentiate from the crew that I worked with to the destinations visited. Maybe this is just something that all crew experience.

I felt it a lot in the beginning. I remember coming down the lift from my apartment heading to work, another crew came into the lift and asked me where I was off to today. I remember opening my mouth to answer the question however I stuttered, completely lost and dumbfounded as to where I was going and how long for.

It is true that you lose a sense of time and physical awareness of where you are. Hell I remember being in Munich and thinking I was walking the streets of Frankfurt.

December came fast, in between flying and keeping up a lively social life Christmas arrived.

I had a few days off before Christmas and was able to celebrate in my friends apartment upstairs from mine at the time.

Being in Dubai over Christmas was nice as it was still great weather like the Australian Summer however the feeling of loneliness and longing to be with close friends and family was a little hard. I am usually not the biggest fan of Christmas and we never celebrated it too intensely back home but as always, I feel everything a lot more when I'm separated from my support network, especially on special occasions. I guess my life and emotions become exacerbated because I do live my life high and low, up and down (Well, when flying you literally do!)

A beautiful memory in December was on Boxing Day, I flew to Milan.

I ventured out on my own as the other crew weren't interested in going out.

It was freezing and I was keen to sight see and do some shopping.

Whilst I was in awe looking at the beautiful Duomo it started to snow. It was such an incredible and emotional sight for me I started to cry. I felt an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and appreciation for where I was, right there and then to see such an incredible sight.

Some other highlights from layovers over this time include a very crazy layover in Mauritius- on a boat, free booze and bikinis. You do the math!

And again, some of the same crew I was fortunate enough to be with on an Amsterdam layover, full of sex shows, seedy bars and sex museums. 

But, it wasn't all fun and games - there was a lot of jet lag, missing home and running myself down due to lack of sleep. 

I did indeed Graduate in March which was a step forward. We made it through our 6 month probation and what an incredible 6 months that was. 

Filled with excitements, dissappointments, wins and losses. Regardless of those times; I was officially part of the crew.

Exploring Dubai

Finally decided to go out and explore a bit of Dubai that I hadn't seen yet with a few girls from my batch.

We visited the Creekside, The Gold Souk and wandered through markets.

Another two days off before Singapore on Thursday for the weekend.

First stop, Munich!

Feeling well rested after my first layover to Munich.

A 6hr flight over, along with me was one of my batch mates.

For our first 2 flights we are additional crew so observing service and procedures is the main goal.

I felt I learnt a lot and am feeling confident for my second flight (a turnaround to India which is meant to be challenging!)

Munich was beautiful, unfortunately I didn't get to see too much in the 24hrs I was there due to the fact it was a public holiday there and not much open.

The streets were lit at night, plenty of people cycling past and the metro crowded.

I enjoyed a dinner (PORK!) with some of the crew and came back to the hotel early to rest, I was exhausted.

I felt the layover allowance was quite generous and enough to have some left over.

My one and only picture from Munich; enjoying a delicious pastry on the street. :) 

College complete!

I haven't posted since I have been in Dubai, mainly for the reason that I have been focusing my energy on making Dubai my home and creating a routine around college.

Since posting last, there is a lot to update on!

I passed college! No repeats or re-sits of tests which I am feeling chuffed about.

College was hard. Early mornings, late nights, exams nearly every day and add that into trying to settle into your new apartment, new surroundings, new friends and pretty much starting fresh and over with everything!

The hardest, most challenging part of college was SEP (Safety and Emergency).

The batch I was placed into split up into other batches so I had to make a whole new circle of friends and in two short weeks at the end of the course you realise how strong the bond you created during the time - pulling together because you almost have to in a sense.

It's strange putting 120 people from different backgrounds, cultures and all with varied beliefs together, the mix was fresh and comforting. Many differences but still a common goal- to reach the end of training.

I returned to my original batch for the rest of the courses, GMT (Medical) and also Service training.

I have also formed a close friendship with a few girls who live in my apartment block.

Thankfully my housemates are lovely as well which makes my living situation more pleasant, as I am located slightly far out from the city.

I've attached a few photos from training- next post I will update on my first flying experience... X

DOJ 5/9/14

This post was written on the 5/9 during my flight - only posting now due to being so busy! Will continue another post from the past week shortly x

My flight was scheduled this afternoon from Sydney at 6:45pm.

The flight was to go to Bangkok then Dubai.

My mum and my step dad drove me to the airport and waited with me before I entered the departure gates.

Saying goodbye to my mum didn't seem real at all. I didn't cry nor did I even feel like I was moving.

Reality is, I am!

I ventured through the departure gates on my own and through customs very smoothly.

We boarded a B777-300 and I was seated in economy.

My tv didn't work and I spoke to the staff several times and they tried to reset it but it still didn't work. 

I couldn't watch movies or use the entertainment system through to Bangkok. It was still okay because I had my iPod and tried to sleep most of it.

I made one of the stewardess aware that I am a new joiner moving to Dubai when she passed my seat. She was very friendly and told me that she will show me around. 

A couple of the girls came up to me half way through the flight and invited me down to the end of the plane.

They walked me through and I was greeted by several girls who were eager to show me around the cabin.

They took a Polaroid of me wearing the famous Emirates hat with them and gave it to me in a little frame.

Turbulence kicked in and I was ushered back to my seat.

I sat there for the rest of the 9 hour flight to Bangkok and slept a bit more.

Arriving to Bangkok at 10pm UAE time, we were given the option to stay on board or get off for half an hour. I stayed on and chatted to a few friendly passengers.

The cabin crew left and said good luck to me and a new crew boarded.

Whilst they were checking my boarding pass, I introduced myself and the girls and guys were so excited that I was on the flight. They promised me that they would take care of me.

At 1am, an hour and a half into the flight I was invited again to hang our with the crew in the back of the plane.

They were so friendly and accommodating, making me coffees, offering food or anything that I may need.

This crew were young and energetic and seemed so happy to be together.

Again, turbulence began and I returned to my seat.

I am writing this now with 4 hours before I arrive to Dubai at 6am. 

I am feeling relaxed, excited and really impressed with the friendliness and warmth from the staff to make me feel welcome.

It has not hit me yet that I am leaving all that I know behind to commence a whole new life.

When I arrive I suppose I will be freshening up and napping if I am tired.

There is a girl from my FI that moved to Dubai several weeks ago that I might try and see during the day.

At 4pm, I am meeting at the Dubai Mall with the other new joiners. I assume we will be getting dinner and drinks to celebrate. Apparently there are over 50 of us starting on the 5/9.

I am going to try and sleep some more, next post I'll be in Dubai ! 

X

Accommodation

Yesterday, the 28th I received my accommodation.

I have been placed in the Sarab Building which is apparently a little far out from central Dubai.
Regardless, I am still extremely grateful to receive free accommodation from Emirates and I am sure there are still many perks in this area.

Apparently the Sarab Building has it's own pool and gym on site which is super convenient.
It is 30 minutes from The Emirates HQ however a free shuttle is provided.

I am starting to become very excited for my new adventure and am happy to reside anywhere!

7 days to go!

Ticket & Visa received

This afternoon after logging in and out of my portal all day I finally was able to view my E-Ticket and E-Visa in my Travel Arrangements link.

It's set in stone and officially 'official'. 

I will be flying to Dubai on Friday the 5th of September from Sydney Airport at 6:45pm and will arrive in Dubai at 5:45am. 

I feel like all is slowly coming together - I now await the confirmation of my accommodation. I do hope to receive a place close to the malls and in the midst of central Dubai however wherever I am placed I will be grateful as I will not have to worry about rental expenses in my budget. 

Next post I am sure I will be blogging about it, hopefully tomorrow ;)

10 DAYS

Oh my gosh.

10 Days until the big move.

I have a few things to complete before I even think about flying away.

- I am awaiting a response from the Emirates Clinic in regards to some medication my dermatologist has prescribed me for my skin. I have sent a requested report from my doctor and uploaded it on the portal. It is a manageable condition which I hope will not affect receiving my ticket and visa!!!!

-I need to complete my pre-flight work book to 'Prepare for take-off.' I will probably leave this til last minute. This also has some exercises to be done whilst flying to Dubai, like obsvering the cabin crew, policies and procedures.

-I really, really, really need to practise packing everything up in my bags. I fear I will need to purchase another item of luggage! Annoying but has to be done.

I am allowed 50kg checked in luggage. Seems weird to be packing my whole life into a suitcase... There are a lot of clothes to be passed onto friends!!

-I need to print off all of my joining documents, copies of passport, families birth certificates and academic certificates.

-I still need to get some more head shots for my flying license and US visa.

Annnnd find time to relax and enjoy my friends and families company.

Under the pump but that's the way I like it!

Cannot wait to receive my e-ticket and visa. My accommodation status says that it will be provided shortly. I'm forever still checking the portal!!!!

❤️

Final Approval!

FA! FA! FA!

Final Approval given on the 31st of July 2014 - Only 2 weeks after my GC.

With your Final Approval, comes your medicals signed off and your next step becomes available which you are advised to resign from your current employer.

The Final Approval email is stated below;

Dear Miss Small,

Please read the below instructions carefully.  We are pleased to inform you that we have obtained the final approval on your application. You may now tender your resignation so that you can join our organization as early as possible. Once you have tendered your resignation, please upload the copy of the acceptance of resignation from your present company on our website by logging into CandidatePortal. The acceptance letter should be on a company letter head signed and stamped by an authorised signatory.Please complete the online joiners form if you have already not done so. If you are required to serve further notice with your current employer and unable to join on the scheduled date please notify by submitting a query on candidate portal. If you are currently a student, working on a part-time basis or unemployed, you are not required to upload the service letter. Please inform the Recruitment coordinator of the same through "Submit a Query". A week before your date of joining, the e-ticket and copy of your visa to enter the U. A. E. will be uploaded on the candidate portal and you will be notified through email and Candidate Portal. Kindly continue to check the Candidate Portal frequently.  NB: Now that you have completed your joining formalities. To help you get off to a flying start and prepare you for your Cabin Crew training programme, you will need to CLICK on the Induction Tab within the Candidate Portal.  Here you will find a link to the 'Prepare for Take-Off ' Cabin Crew Workbook. Please take time to familiarize yourself with the information and complete the tasks required. Your thoroughness in completing the workbook will set you up for success in your training.  Best Regards&,  HR Coordinator  HR Employee Services  Emirates Group Head Quarters,  Dubai, U.A.E

So the final countdown is officially on. This doesn't mean it's time to relax, I feel like I have a lot to prepare before I leave. My checklist is growing by the day!

Please remember to comment if you have any further questions to ask :)

Medicals

Keep calm and complete your Medicals.

Commencing your paperwork for your medicals may seem daunting and overwhelming.
With pages of questions, ticks, crosses and appointments to make it is understandable.

First things first, Start from the top.

Part A - Declaration of Health.
Very simple and straightforward document to complete - A signature is required for your understanding that Emirates will not emply you and The UAE will not issue you a Visa if you have any of the following

• Positive HIV result
• Signs of active TB or signs of scaring from TB on chest from X-Ray
• Untreated syphallis
• Positive Hepatitis B surface antigen

Emirates will do testing in the UAE upon arrival so you do not need to do these tests in your home country unless you are concerned.
Sign and date below and onto the next stage.

Part B - Medical History Declaration.
This section is 3 pages long and has a thurough checklist of items to place your tick, cross and further information on medications and dates of examinations.
Everything from your mental health, vision, skin, back, internal organs, BMI, medication list and sleeping must be completed with 100% honesty and if you tick any of the questions, make sure you elaborate in the column to give further information to prevent them from coming back and requesting you to complete the form and upload it again.
With the completion of these 3 pages, have your doctor sign off on this and date it.
This is not a hard section to complete however it may take some time if you have medical issues that you may need to look back on documents/dates for.

I stated that I was on a medication for my skin. I was contacted by Emirates and was told that I needed my dermatologist to provide a medical report.
I also had her sign a letter that I am able to travel with this medication (Just in case!)
I am keeping all of my medical reports, scripts and letters together to travel with just as confirmation that I have been prescribed these legally by doctors.

Certificate of Dental Health.
For this you will need to book an appointment with your dentist.
Fortunately I have private health cover in Australia and my appointment was free for a check up and had to only pay $25 AUD for my X-rays.
The Dental Health certificate requires your dentist to provide and assessment of your X-ray (note for missing teeth, fillings, crowns etc).
The remainder of the form includes details for your dentist to check and sign off that your teeth meet the expected 'standards.'
Your dentist needs to comment on the following criteria -

• Teeth and Gingiva
• General appearance
• Treatment recommended 
• Treatment carried out

You'll then need a signature, stamp and away you go.

Vaccinations.

For me, this was the most time consuming document.

I had to chase down previous records, some of which were lost - just my luck. 

Now, the compulsory vaccination to obtain before you leave is your Yellow Fever Vaccination. Many of the others will have to get done and can be done so in Dubai however it will be deducted from your salary. The cost of the vaccinations is unknown to me in Dubai so I chose to do them all in my home country. I am covered by private health and can claim part of the cost. 

Here is a full list of the vaccinations:

• Chicken Pox
• Polio (must be within the last 10 years) 
• Diphtheria (must be within the last 10 years)
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis A
• MMR (Measles, Mups, Rubella)
• Yellow Fever
• Meningococcal 

It was quite expensive to get these vaccinations done - $650 AUD however I was able to claim half back.

Ensure that your document is signed and stamped by the doctor and you have your little book/vaccination certificate with you to travel with!

I uploaded these documents completed to the portal on the 30/7/14 and received my Medical Completed email on the 31/7/14

Yippee!

Post any questions in relation to the medicals here and I will answer as best I can :)

Step 1: Pre-Employment

I am writing this quite delayed.

I accepted my contract through the selected candidate portal on the 19th of July 2014.

This was completed by reading through and accepting. Once this was done, I received a tick on the left panel next to the 'Contract' link.

The next link available to complete was the 'Online Joiners Forms.'

This includes your information and your families personal details. Very simple and straight forward. I completed this on the 20th of July 2014 and again I received a tick next to the link.

My next stage was 'Documents for Security'.

You must upload an updated and recent copy of your Resume, a coloured scan of your passport and additionally 6 x passport size photographs (these can be smiling as they are for HR documents).

I completed these again on the same date, the 20th of July 2014.

I did not receive a tick to the next stage until the next day, the 21st of July due to HR needing to review the documents uploaded. 

Next step, Medicals! Please see my next blog for the Medical documentation as it is slightly more lengthy than the previous steps.

Again any questions please post I am more than happy to answer!