With regards to 'failed pilots', I wouldn't call myself 'failed' just yet but as a low hour commercial pilot I've been earning something similar to the dole for the last two years as an instructor.
Right now I'm trying my hardest to get into NATS, a job that pays well, appears to be loved by the majority of people doing it, a bit of job security and possibly enough disposable income to allow me to fly just for the pleasure of it!