Being an "expat" is not for everyone. Especially if you have a big family. Babies are pretty portable, but 16 year olds (and their mothers) are usually not.

The jobs themselves? Maybe not as good as a 400 Captain flying 2-3 Sydney trips a month out of LAX. But if you are flying rubber dog #$@% out of ORD on a guppy or 320, doing the same overseas can be vastly better. Far fewer delays, 50-100% better money, far less hassle. If you show up, do your job, and don't pull any "games" that "union" pilots do at home, your services will be appreciated by everyone from your coworkers to the chief pilot. Yes, I was a "union" pilot back home. I left with "0" in my sick bank.

FWIW, ICAO rules for 2 man crews rock, and are much more restrictive than what the US carriers do. Widebody is just the opposite. US rules are much better. You might find yourself doing 140 hours a month on a Triple because they don't count bunk time, or credit it only 50%.

If anybody wants more info, please pmail me. I have plenty of time to answer. 17 days off this month. At the beach. LOL

Voluntary UAL furloughee,
A320 Captain Bejing Capitol Airlines
Sanya, Hainan Island, PRC