Draglift
think you are barking up the wrong tree.Its not for the salary that previous professionals want to do this job.Sometimes people realise that they are not having a fulfilled life with their current job and seek that fulfillment in another walk of life.Its certainly not for everyone ( long hours away from home/loved ones,no regularity from one month to the next),however it does have its upsides and the salary ,for those ex pros is not one of them.
The benefits of this job are great if you are independant ,love travelling,have a very understanding partner, but earning an equivalent salary to any professional is no longer possible unless you have been with the company for 20 plus years.