Originally Posted by student88
Looking at both areas, is there a difference between things like average work load and opportunities for career advancement/promotion?
No real differences here. Promotion in both is non existent unless you fancy becoming a watch manager.
Another thing to consider is that if you ever get the hump with NATS further down the line as an aerodrome controller there are other places in the UK to work, including HIAL and privately owned airfields. As an Area bod if you want to leave the company you are snookered for other places to work unless you go abroad.