Sonic, stick with it as long as you can because the chances are you are financially better off staying in. As for conditions of service...only you can tell. I left 5 yrs ago for quality of life reasons. I now do have the option to say "No, I am not doing that" and feel happy about my decision...but the salaries available outside are no longer so favourable. You can thank Margaret Thatcher for recognising the value of her Majesty's best some years ago; the differentials have overall been maintained since.
[This message has been edited by Skycop (edited 21 May 1999).]