I left after 10 years service, and in my first year I was taking home atleast an extra 800 quid a month (after tax) flying in civvy street. Not to mention the HUGE improvement in the quality of my families' life...
Money alone would not have retained me, the poor quality of life was the BIGGEST factor.
Hunker down and get out when the recession picks up. My advice would be get yourself ready to join the airlines ASAP so you can ride the wave of recruitment and zoom up the seniority list....
