A former Dubai expat shares the truth about the city’s work culture and her decision to return home.
Natalie Goodall, 32, a former golf coach who spent years in Dubai, has returned to the UK feeling disillusioned by the city’s notorious work-life imbalance. After over a decade of grinding through 80-hour weeks in the desert metropolis, she emphasizes that the glamorous image often showcased doesn’t reflect the reality faced by many expats.
The Allure of Dubai
At just 18, Natalie Goodall jumped at the chance of a lifetime when she moved to Dubai for a golf coaching job after interning at a local golf school. Initially, she lived with friends and family, but soon rented her own apartment in Damac Hills, indulging in the luxurious lifestyle that many dream about.
The city, famed for its opulence, attracts thousands of Brits each year. In fact, estimates suggest that around 30,000 Britons relocated to Dubai in 2021, with that number climbing to 40,000 by 2023.
But as Natalie quickly discovered, the initial allure can come with its own set of challenges.
She described her typical week as a whirlwind of 80-hour work commitments, leaving little room for a personal life. “I loved the city, but the business model here doesn’t support a work-life balance,” she stated. After years of this exhausting routine, she made the tough choice to return to the UK in 2019, settling in West Parley, Dorset.
The Struggles Behind the Glamour
Natalie’s time in Dubai unveiled a stark contrast between the perceived luxurious lifestyle and the actual demands of her job. “On my day off, I would hit the beach, but the moment I checked my bank balance, reality hit me hard. The work-life balance just didn’t exist,” she recounted. Late nights became the norm, with Natalie often returning home around 9 PM, exhausted and hardly able to engage with her partner.
While Dubai offers an incredibly luxurious environment—complete with stunning beaches and world-class dining—many expats struggle to keep pace with the high cost of living. “I was making around £25,000 to £30,000 a year, but that barely covered my expenses. I was just working to survive, not to thrive,” Natalie elaborated. The pressure to excel in the service industry left her with no choice but to work long hours, often six days a week.
In 2017, she met her partner Will, and although they cherished their time together, Natalie felt her mental health deteriorating due to the relentless pace of life. “I could feel myself spiraling. My time management was suffering, and my diet was going downhill. It just wasn’t sustainable,” she admitted.
A New Chapter in the UK
In September 2019, Natalie made the significant decision to leave Dubai for good. After obtaining her PGA coaching qualifications, she secured a job in Guernsey. Will followed her to the UK nine months later, and together they are now homeowners in West Parley, enjoying a much more balanced life.
Reflecting on her time in Dubai, Natalie shares mixed feelings. While she would love to visit her parents who still live there, she has no plans for a permanent return unless a job offer with a substantial salary comes along. She advises others considering a move to Dubai: “People often come with high expectations after a holiday, but the reality can be disheartening. You have to weigh the opportunities carefully and consider if it’s the right fit for you. High expectations can lead to disappointment.”
Natalie’s story serves as a powerful reminder that behind the glitz of Dubai lies a demanding lifestyle that may not suit everyone. As the trend of relocating to the Middle East continues, it’s crucial for potential expats to maintain realistic expectations about what life in Dubai truly entails.
