It is intrinsic to the nature of the Wannabes forum that the average contributor (or lurker) has not got a flying job, and is presumably engaged (or about to be engaged) in the process of trying to find one. Therefore there is not likely to be a great deal of information from the recently-employed about how they managed to succeed. Basically, once you've got a job, you tend to bugger off without a word to the ones left behind! It was ever thus... The inevitable consequence is that the job-search and assessment of the market can become influenced more by hopes and rumours than facts.
Fortunately, you have access to a hardy few professional pilots who take a continued interest in the plight of the Wannabe, and observe the employment market dispassionately on your behalf. This small group has repeatedly given you unbiased, realistic advice about the state of the jobs market and the various ways to make the best of it. Most of you, I'm sure, have digested and appreciated that advice. A small minority have resented it and preferred to believe the rosy forecasts of the flight schools.
The fact remains that the majority of those who begin the process of obtaining professional flight licences do not subsequently earn their living from flying airliners. Of those who approach the licencing or training authorities with a view to attempting this path, a tiny minority succeed in obtaining employment. How many of those who succeed in obtaining a CPL/IR give up the employment search is impossible to accurately determine from such statistics as exist, but the number is substantial.
As for the realities of the job, it is patently obvious that many wannabes have a tragically distorted view of the job of being an airline pilot, and are therefore destined to be severely disappointed should they eventually find themselves in an airline's employ. It is in all of your interest that we professional pilots should expose you to the range of opinions and experiences that are expressed in and about our jobs by those who actually do them. The frustrations, stresses, inequities, and injustices that go on are real. They may have equivalents in other professions, but you need to understand that aviation is not some magic carpet to spiritual and professional nirvana. As an example, the divorce rate in this job is arguably the highest of any.
It's up to you what you make of what you read here, but of one thing be certain: we will not paint a rosy picture when one is not justified. We will tell you the realities, warts and all. Try getting that from OAT, Cabair, CTC, etc...
Scroggs