Hi Murph

HAHAHa.....Well as with everything in life you have to start at the bottom or whatever level you are at and work your way up. I have worked my arse off for the last four years doing 3d and learning as much as I can.

I have just changed jobs as I wanted to be my own man, and not have other people tell me what to do but ask 'what can we do?'
So now I'm working with 4 other guys, 2 who came with me from the previous place and its really cool, we're not working around the clock anymore but we still have deadlines as you do and always will.
Basically the answer to your question is yes the money is good, its even better if you're an animator or programmer, I'm doing a bit of everything so my hands are full right now.
But I dont do it for the money even though it helps, you have to love what you do or it becomes pointless!!!

Sorry if this is a long answer.......

Jango