Well, market research has its unique challenges. Starting salaries are indeed 2-5k for 1st 5 yrs. once you get into research mngr or assoc director roles, ur success is driven by sourcing more accounts and more sales type. Moving to client side is that much different inclufing foreign mncs. It will continue to be a lot of work across multiple countries. The only reason you should go into it is if u feel u hv a passion for understanding people. You could also pursue this for few yes before going for a reputed mba and then go into cinsulting. MR director gets about 12k after 10+yrs experience. Ps: i m in this industry as a director.