So how have you guys got on?? I think tho that Seaton may be quite correct when he comments on the salaries - SQ is not the best, by a long shot, when it comes to renumeration packages - unless your a general!
The type of life you would be living, in my opinion is directly proportinal to the salary, and with what you suggest, it looks like you would have to have a mighty frugal style, but as you say you are starting out from the begining. Advancement - that sorry, I can not answer. Good luck.