Can't help you with the salary question I'm afraid. I expect most of the Cap people you will find on here work in CC (Consulting) and TS (Technology).I work in the TS business and the work life balance here is fantastic. Most people work core hours of 9 'til 530 with extra around project go-lives etc. As far as I'm aware most people in Outsourcing work the same core hours but without the 'extra' component. Lots of OS people are TUPEd in and I get the impression that the retained public sector contracted hours arrangements have gradually filtered right across the OS business. Of course there will always be individuals who work much longer hours, particularly at the more senior grades.