I'd like to know why people on this board are so against being a flight instructor? I was an instructor and still am. I am damned proud of it and my experiences resulting from it. As a CFII I gained more instrument knowledge doing it everyday than I did in the 135 world in a full year of 700 flying hours. I was also an MEI and got 500 multi hours in just over a year doing that. I will ALWAYS have a CFI, CFII, and MEI. I worked harder to earn those ratings and they paid more than any others to me (easily more important than my ATP.)
Take it from someone who's had his hound kicked around in the aviation world. If you want to move up quickly, just teach, enjoy the year or two that you do and move on, but when you start making the big bucks, remember what ratings got you there. The CFI, CFII, and MEI are my roots and I won't leave them behind.

Just my .02

Take care!