Like ezychic said, the first couple of months are a pain but then it starts getting better quickly and really good after your six month probation.
The earnings are fine, depending on base and roster and season. You will earn more in summer than in winter but a few people manage to keep some money back to average it out.
I will be on basic pay next month because I was off sick due to an operation and only did two sectors so if you are unlucky it can happen but it's very unusual and luckily I know in advance so I will tighten up the belt this month already so I don't have to bad of a time next month...does that make sense?
Any more questions you can pm me if you want.
But don't worry too much, the pay is very competitive, you just have to get used to it not being the same every month.