Every person has a different set of priorities. Very few are lucky enough to be able to satisfy every one of them. Generally it amounts to making compromises to satisfy what a person considers the most important ones.
Then there is the problem of balancing tax regimes, local price differentials, exchange rates, type of flying, time away and various family requirements. There is really no definitive answer to fit all.
Not sure about present conditions which are in a state of flux worldwide but in the past although pay rates were very good in overseas locations it was also true that quite a lot of that pay got absorbed back into the local economy either by "living the lifestyle," or financial and marital misadventure.
Looked in Questions to get some sense of the original poster's ideas but could not find it.
And of course the MOST important priority is to get a job!!!
[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: The Vicar ]</p>