Golf Professional’s Warning to UK Emigrants: “High Expectations May Leave You Disappointed”
As record numbers of Britons flock to Dubai seeking luxury and sunshine, one former expat is sounding the alarm about the harsh realities behind the glamorous facade. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for the estimated 40,000 UK citizens who moved to the UAE in 2023 alone.
From Dream Job to Breaking Point
Natalie Goodall, 32, a self-employed golf professional now living in Dorset, spent several years working in Dubai before the punishing schedule forced her to flee back to the UK in 2019. Despite landing a coveted position at one of the world’s best golf schools, the reality of 80-hour, six-day work weeks left her physically and mentally exhausted.
“I was coming home to my partner after 12-hour days, at 9pm, and I could barely hold a conversation because I’d be so tired,” Goodall revealed. “In my last year I told him ‘I can’t do this’ – you know when your time is up.”
The Journey to Dubai
Goodall’s Dubai adventure began at age 18 when she completed internships at a golf school in the emirate. By 21, she had secured a full-time assistant coaching position while pursuing her PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) qualifications.
Initially living with friends and later with her parents who had relocated for her father’s oil industry job, Goodall eventually rented her own apartment in the upscale Damac Hills area with financial support from family to cover Dubai’s notoriously high deposit costs.
The Luxury Mirage
Despite earning the equivalent of £25-30,000 annually, Goodall found herself trapped in a cycle of working just to survive. The city’s high cost of living meant the promised luxury lifestyle remained largely out of reach.
“It was not sustainable,” she explained. “I was just making money to survive – in the service industry you were worked very hard. I was working six days a week and I couldn’t afford to reduce my hours.”
Celebrity Appeal vs. Worker Reality
Dubai has become a magnet for celebrities including Amir Khan and The Beckhams, contributing to its glamorous image. However, Goodall’s experience reveals a stark contrast between the city’s public persona and the reality for many workers.
“The business model out there – there is no work-life balance,” she stated. “You can feel yourself spiral. Your work and time management aren’t as good, your diet goes out the window.”
The Great British Exodus
Goodall’s story comes as British emigration to Dubai has reached unprecedented levels:
- 2021: 30,000 UK emigrants
- 2022: 35,000 UK emigrants
- 2023: 40,000 UK emigrants
The Telegraph’s figures highlight a growing trend of Britons seeking better opportunities in the Gulf state.
Love Found, Dreams Lost
While in Dubai, Goodall met her partner Will Coan, 34, a fellow expat working in food manufacturing, in 2017. However, even their relationship couldn’t compensate for the unsustainable work culture.
“I never saw myself leaving Dubai but it’s not sustainable,” she reflected. “As I got older, I started to think, how the bloody hell will I have a life here?”
The Return Home
In September 2019, Goodall made the difficult decision to return to the UK, securing a position in Guernsey once she completed her golf coaching qualifications. Nine months later, Will followed suit after finishing his contract.
The couple now owns a home together in West Parley, Dorset, and report being “happier than ever” despite leaving behind Dubai’s year-round sunshine and luxury amenities.
Acknowledging the Positives
Goodall maintains that Dubai offers genuine attractions for visitors and residents alike. She fondly recalls beach days, concerts at the Opera House, staying at the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, and experiencing world-class golf courses and dining.
“It was amazing – weather was like being in Spain even in winter,” she remembered. “The golf courses were unbelievable too, and the food and service was amazing.”
A Holiday Destination, Not a Home
While Goodall would consider returning to Dubai for vacations – her parents still live there – she’s clear about the conditions that would tempt her back permanently.
“It would take a salary offer of ‘a huge number’ for her to consider moving back,” she stated, emphasizing how the financial compensation would need to be extraordinary to justify the lifestyle sacrifices.
Warning for Future Expats
Goodall’s message to the thousands of Britons considering the move is stark: manage your expectations.
“I think there are people moving because they’ve been on holiday there and say ‘screw it, I’ll live here,'” she observed. “It’s like a trend – in the same way Ellen DeGeneres moved to The Cotswolds.”
She continued: “In Dubai, it is a glamorous place but it can be unglamorous in certain situations – everywhere has their downfalls. You have to look at the opportunities and weigh up if it’s right for you. If you go with high expectations, you might be disappointed.”
The Reality Behind the Trend
As Dubai continues to attract British emigrants with promises of tax-free salaries, year-round sunshine, and luxury living, Goodall’s experience serves as a reminder that the reality for many workers may be far different from the Instagram-worthy lifestyle portrayed in social media and marketing materials.
Her story highlights the importance of thorough research and realistic expectations before making such a significant life change, particularly in understanding the work culture and true cost of living in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
