How much is the Aussie Lifestyle costing you?
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
Thread Starter
How much is the Aussie Lifestyle costing you?
From the *Terms and Endearment forum, a PPRuNer has asked whether "Lifestyle" is worth anything.
Now I believe it's no secret that employers such as Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Blue have attracted MANY Australian pilots, based in Australia, on lesser payscales than their overseas equivalents.
Obviously "cost of living" must also be factored into the total disposable income left for recreational purposes, but how much - in a p.a. dollar figure - is the Australian LIFESTYLE worth? Or another way of putting it - realistically, how much EXTRA would you need to be offered to forego the beaches, the country drives, the clean air, the annual bushfires, etc?
Edit:
*Sorry - Terms and Endearment.
[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: Kaptin M ]</p>
Now I believe it's no secret that employers such as Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Blue have attracted MANY Australian pilots, based in Australia, on lesser payscales than their overseas equivalents.
Obviously "cost of living" must also be factored into the total disposable income left for recreational purposes, but how much - in a p.a. dollar figure - is the Australian LIFESTYLE worth? Or another way of putting it - realistically, how much EXTRA would you need to be offered to forego the beaches, the country drives, the clean air, the annual bushfires, etc?
Edit:
*Sorry - Terms and Endearment.
[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: Kaptin M ]</p>
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I consider this subject regularly and find it very hard to answer.
How long out of Aus?
Where would I be working, Japan (no) France or UK (better)???
Would I have the chance of returning to a reasonable job in Aus, or do I do it to earn a reasonable amount to retire??
In my humble oppinion it would have to be a **** load of money, and even then I doubt whether I could do it!
How long out of Aus?
Where would I be working, Japan (no) France or UK (better)???
Would I have the chance of returning to a reasonable job in Aus, or do I do it to earn a reasonable amount to retire??
In my humble oppinion it would have to be a **** load of money, and even then I doubt whether I could do it!
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
Thread Starter
You're right, Balinda - not an eay one, however obviously employers (such as those I have mentioned above) have some sort of idea, as would the pilots who left overseas jobs to return for work with VB.
Perhaps some of these chaps might like to give us an idea.
I'll kick the ball off by saying that a couple of the chaps who left here, to go to Virgin Blue, received a salary DECREASE of approx. USD5,000 per month AFTER tax, (and forfeited free accomodation, utilities, and medical insurance) - the salary amounts to about AUD114k free of tax! Of that, I'd guess that "cost of living" (groceries, etc) would account for a difference of about AUD14k, giving a "Lifestyle Cost" in their case of AUD110k/USD57.9k p.a.
Perhaps some of these chaps might like to give us an idea.
I'll kick the ball off by saying that a couple of the chaps who left here, to go to Virgin Blue, received a salary DECREASE of approx. USD5,000 per month AFTER tax, (and forfeited free accomodation, utilities, and medical insurance) - the salary amounts to about AUD114k free of tax! Of that, I'd guess that "cost of living" (groceries, etc) would account for a difference of about AUD14k, giving a "Lifestyle Cost" in their case of AUD110k/USD57.9k p.a.
Kaptain M makes a very good point - how do you quantify "cost of living" ??? At first, it appears you just take your Net pay and deduct reasonable living costs... simple! But how do you put a price on being able to drop your kids at school and not worry about depressed 4th grader going beserk with an AK47? Or knowing that suicide bombers would target your wife's workplace because her employer is a western infidel pig-dog company?
A little over-dramatic, I know..! Yet some do make the trip to "less-friendly" places for more money. One interesting reason was given to me by a friend who recently headed "to the sandpit":
"Imagine you are offered this from an employer - 'we want you to come to our country and do the same job you're doing now but for 4 times as much money' - to NOT take this job would be an affront to employees around the world!!!"
A simplified reason to be sure, but it makes one valid point. The average family would be inconvenienced for many years in the displaced location, but upon return to Oz (assuming financially sensible decisions have been made) you are able to provide so much more to your family for the future.
I guess it boils down to personal preference, other friends have told me they would NOT go overseas for "all the tea in China (including the "special administrative region!")
MONEY vs LIFESTYLE = iressistable force meets the immovable object.
A little over-dramatic, I know..! Yet some do make the trip to "less-friendly" places for more money. One interesting reason was given to me by a friend who recently headed "to the sandpit":
"Imagine you are offered this from an employer - 'we want you to come to our country and do the same job you're doing now but for 4 times as much money' - to NOT take this job would be an affront to employees around the world!!!"
A simplified reason to be sure, but it makes one valid point. The average family would be inconvenienced for many years in the displaced location, but upon return to Oz (assuming financially sensible decisions have been made) you are able to provide so much more to your family for the future.
I guess it boils down to personal preference, other friends have told me they would NOT go overseas for "all the tea in China (including the "special administrative region!")
MONEY vs LIFESTYLE = iressistable force meets the immovable object.
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Just a couple of points that may shed some light.
A good friend of mine did nineteen years with QF, starting as a cadet, and was a junior B747-400 capt when he decided to leave QF, (super. rules were changing, circa 1992), and come to SQ, he showed me the figures and he actually earns more with SQ after tax than he would have with QF.
When SQ offered SYD basing to B744 crews the sums at the end of the day, for a capt with 11 years with SQ, showed a pay drop after tax ofA$100,000:00 pa, only a few with solid domestic reasons went for the basing, I believe.
Not quite what you were asking Kapt.M but a bit of background anyway! <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
A good friend of mine did nineteen years with QF, starting as a cadet, and was a junior B747-400 capt when he decided to leave QF, (super. rules were changing, circa 1992), and come to SQ, he showed me the figures and he actually earns more with SQ after tax than he would have with QF.
When SQ offered SYD basing to B744 crews the sums at the end of the day, for a capt with 11 years with SQ, showed a pay drop after tax ofA$100,000:00 pa, only a few with solid domestic reasons went for the basing, I believe.
Not quite what you were asking Kapt.M but a bit of background anyway! <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
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Hi Kaptin M,
Hurry up and get your a##e down here before direct entry commands dry up and the beach washes away on the coast due to global warming. Besides all that, love having a bourbon or 3 with you.
Cheers.
--------------------------------------------------
I am reminded of a saying from a wise old man that there is no point in being the richest man in the graveyard.
[ 10 January 2002: Message edited by: Interceptor ]</p>
Hurry up and get your a##e down here before direct entry commands dry up and the beach washes away on the coast due to global warming. Besides all that, love having a bourbon or 3 with you.
Cheers.
--------------------------------------------------
I am reminded of a saying from a wise old man that there is no point in being the richest man in the graveyard.
[ 10 January 2002: Message edited by: Interceptor ]</p>
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Friends,
as an ex-Oz Mil ATC that has just moved to Canada (who are just like Aussies in outlook) I think its magnificent (love them Rockies).
My oldest son started school today and he is the centre of (positive) attention and he is happy. We are very well thought of in this part of the world.
I suppose it depends on "where". The northwest pacicific states of the US as are the New England states are similar to Canadians.
If your family is happy and you are making the $$$ whats the problem? Oz is only (at worst) a days flying time away.
Gotta go, I here a Kokanee calling....
as an ex-Oz Mil ATC that has just moved to Canada (who are just like Aussies in outlook) I think its magnificent (love them Rockies).
My oldest son started school today and he is the centre of (positive) attention and he is happy. We are very well thought of in this part of the world.
I suppose it depends on "where". The northwest pacicific states of the US as are the New England states are similar to Canadians.
If your family is happy and you are making the $$$ whats the problem? Oz is only (at worst) a days flying time away.
Gotta go, I here a Kokanee calling....
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I chose to leave Oz because;
1. The money is great
2. I'm only one sector away from any major port in the world, which gives me a broader perspective on everything. I do feel Oz is so far from the rest of the world, that it really pays to get out for a while.
I'm not here forever and my options, when the time comes, will be far greater had I not of come here.
I have a great time here, but must remember, it is not Australia and does'nt try to be.
1. The money is great
2. I'm only one sector away from any major port in the world, which gives me a broader perspective on everything. I do feel Oz is so far from the rest of the world, that it really pays to get out for a while.
I'm not here forever and my options, when the time comes, will be far greater had I not of come here.
I have a great time here, but must remember, it is not Australia and does'nt try to be.
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Every person has a different set of priorities. Very few are lucky enough to be able to satisfy every one of them. Generally it amounts to making compromises to satisfy what a person considers the most important ones.
Then there is the problem of balancing tax regimes, local price differentials, exchange rates, type of flying, time away and various family requirements. There is really no definitive answer to fit all.
Not sure about present conditions which are in a state of flux worldwide but in the past although pay rates were very good in overseas locations it was also true that quite a lot of that pay got absorbed back into the local economy either by "living the lifestyle," or financial and marital misadventure.
Looked in Questions to get some sense of the original poster's ideas but could not find it.
And of course the MOST important priority is to get a job!!!
[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: The Vicar ]</p>
Then there is the problem of balancing tax regimes, local price differentials, exchange rates, type of flying, time away and various family requirements. There is really no definitive answer to fit all.
Not sure about present conditions which are in a state of flux worldwide but in the past although pay rates were very good in overseas locations it was also true that quite a lot of that pay got absorbed back into the local economy either by "living the lifestyle," or financial and marital misadventure.
Looked in Questions to get some sense of the original poster's ideas but could not find it.
And of course the MOST important priority is to get a job!!!
[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: The Vicar ]</p>
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I have been throught this debate with my other voice that creeps into yonder corner of brain on occasions. True i could go overseas and earn a bucket more...had that chance in fact. The things I couldn't reconcile enough to make the move were this:
1) What happens if after ten years or so overseas I have enough to retire on back in Oz but I'm not really ready to stop flying in an airline job AND can't take it anymore in the overseas destination I am in? Do I give up a career I LOVE to be in and find something else to do and risk being bitter that I'm to old or to late to get a reasonable job in Oz?
2) What about the lifestyle I love right here in Oz? I will NEVER get those years back. I may get older than I hope while away and even if I get back here wealthy enough to retire will I be able to enjoy that retirement as much as I can enjoy the next ten years right here and now?
3) Money doesn't make you happy and and though you may think it does I assure you it is only a perception perpetuated by the constant rating of jobs in our business in terms of money and not happiness. Look how many Oz mates came back to work for Impulse when they started flying jets! I'll bet it was irrelevant for many that they had a stash of cash in the bank.
4) Just look at how many '89ers came back over the years, long before VB and Impulse were around with jets, to fly for NJS on the 146's. Given the numbers, for many, I'd say the cost of your lifestyle here in Oz is priceless.
sprucegoose is wondering if there are any volunteers for conjugal visits in the sin bin. Females only need apply.
[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: Glamorous Glennis ]</p>
1) What happens if after ten years or so overseas I have enough to retire on back in Oz but I'm not really ready to stop flying in an airline job AND can't take it anymore in the overseas destination I am in? Do I give up a career I LOVE to be in and find something else to do and risk being bitter that I'm to old or to late to get a reasonable job in Oz?
2) What about the lifestyle I love right here in Oz? I will NEVER get those years back. I may get older than I hope while away and even if I get back here wealthy enough to retire will I be able to enjoy that retirement as much as I can enjoy the next ten years right here and now?
3) Money doesn't make you happy and and though you may think it does I assure you it is only a perception perpetuated by the constant rating of jobs in our business in terms of money and not happiness. Look how many Oz mates came back to work for Impulse when they started flying jets! I'll bet it was irrelevant for many that they had a stash of cash in the bank.
4) Just look at how many '89ers came back over the years, long before VB and Impulse were around with jets, to fly for NJS on the 146's. Given the numbers, for many, I'd say the cost of your lifestyle here in Oz is priceless.
sprucegoose is wondering if there are any volunteers for conjugal visits in the sin bin. Females only need apply.
[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: Glamorous Glennis ]</p>
I'm also working overseas, and I'd be almost happy to take a 50%+ pay cut to fly in Aus.
I hate being overseas.
QF don't seem to be interested, even though I am rated on the majority of their planes and flew 747's using their procedures, etc, for another airline.
Can't even get a reply from VB. (Type rated on their planes as well)
Can forget about Ansett now.
So I guess I'm stuck on the other side of the world.
Sympathies for the other people in the same boat, the money's good, but the lifestyle can get to you at times ...
I hate being overseas.
QF don't seem to be interested, even though I am rated on the majority of their planes and flew 747's using their procedures, etc, for another airline.
Can't even get a reply from VB. (Type rated on their planes as well)
Can forget about Ansett now.
So I guess I'm stuck on the other side of the world.
Sympathies for the other people in the same boat, the money's good, but the lifestyle can get to you at times ...
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I've been in PNG for more years than I care to think about... and probably about 10 years more than I should. It has certainly been worth all the sacrifices for the pay and, despite the massive inconveniences and problems, a distinctly laid-back lifestyle.
But, last year, I actually found some options that would get me out of the country and into a similar job in another country (not Oz). Then along came September 11 and all but one of those options evaporated in the blink of an eye.
And I'm not sure that the single remaining option is really still there either. Haven't heard anything from them since being told that I'd made it onto the interview list, six months ago.
So, for all sorts of reasons, I'm staying put in PNG. The fact is that there just isn't the same sort of scope in my field in Oz. I guess you've got to consider the impact of last year's events on your employment prospects too.
It might mean the difference between not leaving Oz at all and not being able to come back, even for a reduced paypacket. Methinks the most successful expatriates are the greatest gamblers, but it's one helluva gamble.
But, last year, I actually found some options that would get me out of the country and into a similar job in another country (not Oz). Then along came September 11 and all but one of those options evaporated in the blink of an eye.
And I'm not sure that the single remaining option is really still there either. Haven't heard anything from them since being told that I'd made it onto the interview list, six months ago.
So, for all sorts of reasons, I'm staying put in PNG. The fact is that there just isn't the same sort of scope in my field in Oz. I guess you've got to consider the impact of last year's events on your employment prospects too.
It might mean the difference between not leaving Oz at all and not being able to come back, even for a reduced paypacket. Methinks the most successful expatriates are the greatest gamblers, but it's one helluva gamble.
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Great topic KAP.I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts and everyone has had something credible to add.
I, like a lot of others are now considering OS options although at the moment they don't seem to be a plenty,however 6 months ago I would not of given it a seconds thought,how things change.
I think about issues like the high Tax rates, the falling Aussie Paso,the limited promotion prospects,and maybe a time limited company.I think about the various places we could live and what effect living in these places would have on a young family. But one of my foremost thoughts is one of getting off my spotty ar@e and experiencing a different side of life, for me and my family.I think the whole concept could be a fantastic life experience,stepping outside my comfort zone and seeing what happens outside OZ.
I maybe looking at it all through rose coloured glasses but at the moment it all sounds very appealing.
I, like a lot of others are now considering OS options although at the moment they don't seem to be a plenty,however 6 months ago I would not of given it a seconds thought,how things change.
I think about issues like the high Tax rates, the falling Aussie Paso,the limited promotion prospects,and maybe a time limited company.I think about the various places we could live and what effect living in these places would have on a young family. But one of my foremost thoughts is one of getting off my spotty ar@e and experiencing a different side of life, for me and my family.I think the whole concept could be a fantastic life experience,stepping outside my comfort zone and seeing what happens outside OZ.
I maybe looking at it all through rose coloured glasses but at the moment it all sounds very appealing.
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Horses for courses I suppose.
But for what it's worth, I think anyone who goes into aviation for the money should have their head examined, so I'll take the lifestyle everytime thanks. <img src="cool.gif" border="0">
Mind you I'm single no kids, but I understand there are people with mortgages, kids school fees, alimony, girlfriends who need diamonds etc etc and so need to pay these bills and search out the "big buck$".
Good luck with whichever route you choose/have thrust upon you. <img src="eek.gif" border="0">
But for what it's worth, I think anyone who goes into aviation for the money should have their head examined, so I'll take the lifestyle everytime thanks. <img src="cool.gif" border="0">
Mind you I'm single no kids, but I understand there are people with mortgages, kids school fees, alimony, girlfriends who need diamonds etc etc and so need to pay these bills and search out the "big buck$".
Good luck with whichever route you choose/have thrust upon you. <img src="eek.gif" border="0">
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Hiya Kap.
Good topic- After the Mountains of Malay Moolah and Brazillian Big Bucks, there is no comparison with being back at home with the family support network and relaxed lifestyle. Make your millions Kap then come on home - highly recommended.
You're here for a GOOD time not a LONG time. <img src="cool.gif" border="0">
Good topic- After the Mountains of Malay Moolah and Brazillian Big Bucks, there is no comparison with being back at home with the family support network and relaxed lifestyle. Make your millions Kap then come on home - highly recommended.
You're here for a GOOD time not a LONG time. <img src="cool.gif" border="0">
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Given a 15% income tax rate here in HKG, the financial side is clearly a no-brainer. You can comfortably keep your home in Oz, and - if you're in the same situation as I am with kids at senior school - commute to and fro twice a month and still stay well ahead with the bucks.
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I suppose that it all depends on your age and what stage of your life you are at. The Airline industry in Australia was once a great industry to work in particularly for Pilot's but unfortunately that has all changed since the brilliant "Copy the Yanks, deregulation". I know we all started off in this industry not for the money but because we all love Flying. As life goes on and retirement nears I think we all ask ourselves the question "Will I have enough Super to retire on?" In Australia Super is only good for the "pollies" who write the rules to give themselves $1.5 Million in the hand after 10 years service. For the rest of us, forget it. Your only option is to go OS.The overzealous taxation department will ensure that you retire with nothing.The offshore industry is starting to pick already, don't tie youself to low pay and conditions, high taxation, and the depreciating Oz Peso, go for it!
p.s The government have already sold off most of the public owned assets, Commonwealth Bank, Telstra, Water and Electricity supply companies etc. Guess who they will come after for revenue
after they have sold everything off? (it will not be the dole bludgers!)
p.s The government have already sold off most of the public owned assets, Commonwealth Bank, Telstra, Water and Electricity supply companies etc. Guess who they will come after for revenue
after they have sold everything off? (it will not be the dole bludgers!)
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I've been out of OZ for just over 4 years now.
Yes, the pay is better...no tax...that helps too.
There is no place like home, if you don't believe it, try living elsewhere....Oz really is the best place on the surface of the globe.
However, we as Australians, are far too insular in our attitudes and thinking. Getting OS has been a huge eyeopener for both me and the kids.
They feel it's the best thing that has ever happened, they attend an international school, have friends from all over the globe and mix daily with kids of about 45 different nationalities. You just can't buy that kind of experience.
Mind you, the place I live in is great, good diving, fishing, pubs, beaches, mountains etc etc.
For all those worrying about safety in the Middle East...stop worrying (at least in this patch).
It just comes down to...do I risk it, and possibly have the time of your life, or always wonder what if?
edited for appalling grammar
[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: divingduck ]</p>
Yes, the pay is better...no tax...that helps too.
There is no place like home, if you don't believe it, try living elsewhere....Oz really is the best place on the surface of the globe.
However, we as Australians, are far too insular in our attitudes and thinking. Getting OS has been a huge eyeopener for both me and the kids.
They feel it's the best thing that has ever happened, they attend an international school, have friends from all over the globe and mix daily with kids of about 45 different nationalities. You just can't buy that kind of experience.
Mind you, the place I live in is great, good diving, fishing, pubs, beaches, mountains etc etc.
For all those worrying about safety in the Middle East...stop worrying (at least in this patch).
It just comes down to...do I risk it, and possibly have the time of your life, or always wonder what if?
edited for appalling grammar
[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: divingduck ]</p>
Grandpa Aerotart
Good topic.
I have spent all barring one year out of the last 15 overseas.
I went back to Oz thinking I was sick of being an expat and got bored silly flying back and forth between Darwin-Asp-Per etc.
I left and came to Singapore to an instant command and 3+ times the dosh. USD Contract with Tax paid for me(it's only 15% but better in my pocket)
I fly all over Asia and love the aircraft I fly, my preference is to never go back to airline flying again but to stay on Corporate Jets, they're just more fun with less BS.
I do miss aspects of life in Oz like sailing(yes they have sailing here in Singapore but the conditions are crap) and it's a VERY small place.
I don't want to be in a position of HAVING to continue working until I drop because the OZ Govt tax me into the poor house, I would like the OPTION to retire at 55 IF I WANT TO.
The cost of me returning to OZ at this point in my career would be,
1/. No command for a LONG time if I could get a jet job AT ALL.
2/. Unable to afford the absolute water frontage, 4 bedroom house I've just bought, and what chance being based where the house is anyway.
3/. AUD70K net paycut x 15 years to 55, assuming I was with VB/QF Link.
4/. Huge difficulty in continueing to be a single parent to my 13 year old daughter. Here I'm home when she goes to school in the morning and when she comes home in the afternoon 90% of the time. I can help her with her homework and be a Dad...put a price on THAT!!! In fact move this to point 1!!!!!!
While Australia is without doubt the best country in the world to live it is not so great if you can't afford a reasonable lifestyle, or you are forced by your job to live in an area of Australia which is remote from your family etc.
I'm no more remote from my extended family here in Singapore than I was in Darwin/Cairns and I have a constant stream of mates coming through on overnights with the various airlines they work for,that never happened in Darwin! In Darwin I was overnighting 18 or 20 times a month, here I've done about 6 in the last 14 mths. It's actually cheaper to fly to Syd/BNE from here than it was from DN <img src="eek.gif" border="0">
Chuck.
PS What did Sprucegoose do to get sinbinned
[ 10 January 2002: Message edited by: Chimbu chuckles ]</p>
I have spent all barring one year out of the last 15 overseas.
I went back to Oz thinking I was sick of being an expat and got bored silly flying back and forth between Darwin-Asp-Per etc.
I left and came to Singapore to an instant command and 3+ times the dosh. USD Contract with Tax paid for me(it's only 15% but better in my pocket)
I fly all over Asia and love the aircraft I fly, my preference is to never go back to airline flying again but to stay on Corporate Jets, they're just more fun with less BS.
I do miss aspects of life in Oz like sailing(yes they have sailing here in Singapore but the conditions are crap) and it's a VERY small place.
I don't want to be in a position of HAVING to continue working until I drop because the OZ Govt tax me into the poor house, I would like the OPTION to retire at 55 IF I WANT TO.
The cost of me returning to OZ at this point in my career would be,
1/. No command for a LONG time if I could get a jet job AT ALL.
2/. Unable to afford the absolute water frontage, 4 bedroom house I've just bought, and what chance being based where the house is anyway.
3/. AUD70K net paycut x 15 years to 55, assuming I was with VB/QF Link.
4/. Huge difficulty in continueing to be a single parent to my 13 year old daughter. Here I'm home when she goes to school in the morning and when she comes home in the afternoon 90% of the time. I can help her with her homework and be a Dad...put a price on THAT!!! In fact move this to point 1!!!!!!
While Australia is without doubt the best country in the world to live it is not so great if you can't afford a reasonable lifestyle, or you are forced by your job to live in an area of Australia which is remote from your family etc.
I'm no more remote from my extended family here in Singapore than I was in Darwin/Cairns and I have a constant stream of mates coming through on overnights with the various airlines they work for,that never happened in Darwin! In Darwin I was overnighting 18 or 20 times a month, here I've done about 6 in the last 14 mths. It's actually cheaper to fly to Syd/BNE from here than it was from DN <img src="eek.gif" border="0">
Chuck.
PS What did Sprucegoose do to get sinbinned
[ 10 January 2002: Message edited by: Chimbu chuckles ]</p>
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I have read the responses on this topic intently and can see a viewpoint from both sides.
I will give you a couple of reasons that have brought me to literally the other side of the world.
1. Yes the money is excellent and that is a factor,but not the deciding factor.
2. I chose carefully the company and place where I would go.
3. Life in Australia was very comfortable but it was not challenging, I was becoming lazy and getting into the same day to day routine. Cutting the ties has definitely expanded my knowledge and horizons.
4. Living in Europe gives rise to a lot of opportunities for myself and my family ie. Travel, Kids becoming fluent in maybe one but more than likely 2-3 European languages.
5. Money is not everything, I plan to serve enough time over here to retire, this will occur twice as quick as back in Aus. I plan to sit back and relax as early as possible.
Just a couple of my reasons, the other factor was I don't want a company to think they own my services because they pay a decent wage in Australia, there is more to life than being worried about losing your job in Australia. I will not have management sitting back smugly knowing they are the only employer or the big fish in the little bowl, there are other jobs in aviation than pilots,ATC etc and if not, a change of career is not that bad.
I will give you a couple of reasons that have brought me to literally the other side of the world.
1. Yes the money is excellent and that is a factor,but not the deciding factor.
2. I chose carefully the company and place where I would go.
3. Life in Australia was very comfortable but it was not challenging, I was becoming lazy and getting into the same day to day routine. Cutting the ties has definitely expanded my knowledge and horizons.
4. Living in Europe gives rise to a lot of opportunities for myself and my family ie. Travel, Kids becoming fluent in maybe one but more than likely 2-3 European languages.
5. Money is not everything, I plan to serve enough time over here to retire, this will occur twice as quick as back in Aus. I plan to sit back and relax as early as possible.
Just a couple of my reasons, the other factor was I don't want a company to think they own my services because they pay a decent wage in Australia, there is more to life than being worried about losing your job in Australia. I will not have management sitting back smugly knowing they are the only employer or the big fish in the little bowl, there are other jobs in aviation than pilots,ATC etc and if not, a change of career is not that bad.