I can remember when ATCO's from non-state used to line up, just for the thrill of working at the most demanding airport in the UK. Sadly how times change.
I understand that there are un-filled vacancies now.
So who would want to live and work in an area that has some of the highest house prices in the UK, or drive miles each day and then have to get a bus into work!
I compared house prices once (3 years ago) surrounding the EGSH area and compared salaries at London airports and the local 'drome. Taking mortgage payments, lifestyle and the shift systems into consideration, there was not a massive differential, especially if one lived close to EGSH!
Keep your chin up, in ATC terms, you guys shift the planes, but typical of ATCO's, we make an awful system work! We all must be mad!
HEATHROW DIRECTOR is correct. Do the job you are paid for and no more. Enjoy your life outside ATC.