With my qualifications I could earn more working at Virgin as a LAME and there is plenty of opportunities in the Middle East that pay even more than virgin
I couldn't earn more at Virgin, but then they don't operate two of the four types that I am licenced on, whereas the red rat does.
VA has been around for about 10 years. I have been with QF for almost 3 decades. I believe I am fairly paid for my experience and qualifications.
I've run the numbers and on a >7 year contract net of all taxes and expenses I would be about $10K per annum better off in the Sandpit, and that is certifying for only one of the aircraft I am licenced on - assuming I pick up no licences while there. According to the recruiter my chances of being trained on another type or perhaps three are very high within two years of arriving, which makes the numbers even more desirable. I would not be doing the vast majority of the hands on work I do now, but "supervising" and certifying for 6 - 10 workers.