I do have the same dilemma @
blackmumba. Spanish pilot flying in the US, citizenship in the next couple of months after 6 years here.
I keep doing my research, and we have to understand that aviation in Europe is completely different, and it's a shame. Lots of pros too of course.
Days off even in a "bad" regional here beat any european carrier (except for those legacies). Even my part 135 job right now gives me 12 days off plus 4-5 reserve at home.
Pay...My korean friend is a captain at SKW, 3rd year, and he's making more than many 320 captains at some european airlines. Iberia Express, Vueling, some german LCC, etc....
Upgrade time...you know how it works here. Ryanair must be the only one offering a fast upgrade (the US definition of fast I mean).
Less overnights....Europe wins that one. Easyjet/Ryanair
It's complicated man. Each person is different, so it comes to what you really want to be honest. Right now I'm gonna stay here, flying as much as I can, and getting an upgrade. Coming back as a DEC compensates a lot more compared to paying a type rating to be an FO making "peanuts". Some pay better though. Apparently even as a PIC you may have to fund your training, so careful.