In a couple of years I'll get a crack at Fo and a payrise so it will be worth it.
Why would you assume anything of the sort?
Remember, there is no linear progression for CFO's. Despite any assertions being made now by the company, after your contract has expired they have no obligation to offer you anything. It may very well be a case of "Ta ta Mr Shield, re-apply for Senior FO position when you have a couple of thousand right seat jet hours, more command time etc...Wish you all the best on future endeavours blah bla". And don't assume you'll be able to seamlessly transition to
VB for that right seat time either. I seem to remember an agreement for pilot transition between QANTASLINK and Jetstar which came to nothing.