Have to agreee with Mainframe.
Gaz - you might also find that (not always though) operators in nice places are less likely to pay you the right bucks. The reason? Sheer abundance of people willing to do the job because its a nice place.
Venture out west and you will be surprised that you will be paid for your services. There are still sharks out there but I've found them easy to avoid.
Its a good place to go and learn before you go and do the real stuff like what you find in the straits. Going West was the best decision I ever made as a 200 hr pilot.