Then I would encourage the OP to pursue that avenue before he puts down roots and starts having children. My buds at EK who took that job and left families behind aren't loving life.

If EK works for you, that's great. OTOH, if we've gotten to the point that we're talking about contract jobs in the arseholes of the world as being a better alternative, then we've already lost... for good.

This profession is in the toilet. Go to Dubai or Seoul, or go use your degree for a stable job. Your choice.

ps. You might want to ask an EK FO how much it costs to eat lunch and pay rent before you get all beside yourself about how big the monthly paycheck is.