Comanche
In response to your question about being out in the US for the winter.
At the moment it's only for the A320, but may involve the B757 next year.
The deal, briefly is as follows. You have to have an American ATP with a type rating. If you don't have the ATP, you are sent to the US for a very short course to obtain the latter. You then attend a full type rating course, which includes 5 fixed-base sims, and 8 full-flight. Oh, you also have an oral and a simulator check with the Feds. This lasts about 7-8 weeks. Hotac is paid for, plus 24 hour/day allowances for that period. Then it's 25 hours of line-training which they call IOE, Initial Operating Experience.
Bases are allocated on seniority, and include Chicago, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and Milwaukee. The work pattern is 2 weeks on then 2 weeks off. As you have an American ATP, you are able to ride free (jump-seat) to and from the US/UK with American carriers, making for a better home life.
Once you start your IOE, the money becomes pretty good. Your full JMC salary + for F/O's $40000/annum paid pro-rata, this latter part being tax-free but up to you regarding your tax liability. From this amount you have to find your own accommodation. If you finish the contract, there is a terminal bonus of $6500.
The voice of experience, as I am involved in the above. As for JMC, yes they are pretty good, although we work hard in the summer, with plenty of night flights down to the Canaries, Greece and Turkey. Could do a lot worse. That's my opinion, and I'm sure that there are many who will disagree.
Good Luck