SV, I do get it old boy, I spoke to most of the people (Q400) who left my base before they went. Money and Type Rating were the 2 main reasons for them leaving. Lifestyle and salary are seperate kettles of fish. And I can guarantee you that the ones who have left would still have left even if they'd been on a 5 - 3 roster. Fact. The Q400 is a turboprop isn't it? How many newly qualified CPLs do you know who'd want to spend the next 5 years flying it before they got a sniff at the Emb 195 or a command? None, they want to go and fly big shiny Boeings (because it's a jet) and the like and earn more money NOW.
The trouble is, there will ALWAYS be someone earning more than you so get used to it and stop comparing yourself to them.
I'm sorry I've never been able to understand the love of flying/fly for food brigade. It doesn't pay the mortgage or the bills.
I'm sorry, but because I enjoy flying means I don't benefit from it aswell? Hey I love flying. that's why I do it. I own 2 houses. Work that one out you twit.