Officer first pilot second! - those who believed in that usually went to staff college and ended up flying desks.. Those who didn't believe it usually went on to lead happy lives flying aircraft
A strong argument for re-introducing NCO Pilots, there!
There are indeed 2 schools ...
- I want to fly aeroplanes
- I want a career as an RAF officer
If the OP intends to stay as a flt lt forever, flying, he'll be better paid in civil aviation ... or in some academic field.
Staff College and Whitehall desks tend to produce a better pension [or at least it did].