As a newly qualified AFI (H) I still haven't managed to find the elusive first position in the UK yet. My present job is as marine engineer with oil major and £37.5K not having to pay tax,NI,etc. and that's for 6 months work a year/6 months at home. What would I rather be doing. I don't think you need me to tell you that. The money isn't important if you enjoy what you are doing. If it wasn't for paying off loans for flying then I'd rather be a poorly paid helicopter pilot. I live in hope.