Not everybody that gets an IR goes North Sea.
With hindsight I wish I'd done mine earlier. I learnt a lot from FI'ing. Some about the flying, more about the industry.
The risks of going straight for an IR are far higher but the rewards are endlessly better in terms of career development, variety of flying and lifestyle.Oh, and pay
Very few can cover the costs of an FI and IR rating before the exams expire, or an IR once they start earning (in the loosest sense) as an FI.
Bottom line to getting ahead in this industry is predominately all about luck. That said in a world of no guarantees (except death,taxes and nurses!) you pays your money you makes your choice.