Thanks guys,
very encouraging indeed. I'm only newly married with an 18 month old daughter as well and i know if i buy a house now that'll be the end of the dream.
On another note, i have a mate in the UK who got a job with EasyJet with only 530 hours total time at 38. He's been with them for just over 2 years now and is cracking up towards 2500 hours already and is loving it.
I also have a UK passport as well as Aussie (mum's Scottish) so i was thinking that it's an option to head over there also.... Who knows, time will tell.
In the mean time i have a 'round' queensland nav to finish planning before i head off on the 12 day adventure next week. Hopefully the weather clears as it's been S**T the last week or so.
Anyway, thanks again for the encouragement guys.