Thanks everyone for the constructive advice,
I don't live in a big city; reluctance to move north is based on relocating costs, family and lack of stable employment if I go. Not interested in the mines anymore, good money but not the life you want. I guess thats my prob...too fussy!
RR, I've heard the same advice over and over, its just hard to get my head around not flying professionally when its all you've dreamt of hey?! I guess now with a family these sorts of dreams have to give way to a house and half a decent life one day!!
mattyj; just what I'm worried about!!
Anyway, don't wish to bore anyone with all of this but enjoying your feedback. Thanks Wan, for the info....still very unsure about the whole thing. The stuff on here about cadetships already is pretty damning.