The helicopter industry is "contract" driven.....when the Operator has "contracts" it needs Pilots. When the "contracts" dry up....they do not need Pilots. That is the way of the industry.
As long as the market is up and down...so will life in the helicopter industry be up and down.
As long as you accept that fact and are willing to be a "contractor" yourself....and look out for your own best interest then you will prosper.
Just as Operators seek their own place in the business....so should the Pilot.
The broader your experience, the more you have in your own "skill set", the more open to moving from one location to another, the quicker you can be ready if offered a position....the steadier your work will be.
The key to remember.....if you are on a good lick flying helicopters....enjoy it while it lasts....for it surely will end sooner or later but it shall end.
My advice.....for the younger folks.....go to the airlines....and do not look back a single time.