Doom and Gloom
Don't worry too much, most ppruners just like to tell the bad stories as they are usually more interesting and help to make us all feel better about our current situations.
When your getting prepared for the job hunt, make sure you have done your Dangerous goods cert, st johns first aid and if your heading north a Medium Rigid Truck licence with a F class endoresment (allows you to drive a bus). This is a requirement in Broome and kunnunurra for scenic pilots as they also drive the bus on occasions.
As for finding your first job, unfortunately it probably wont happen by living at home sending out resumes. So work your butt off until you have some cash in the bank, then visit cash converters and sell any excess gear, then visit mr centrelink (might as well get some of your tax back) and then pack the boot of your car and hit the road. Stop in every single town along the way and drive out to their airstrip. Say G'Day to anyone that is getting about and check out if their are any operators or aircraft there. You would be suprised that even the smallest little town in the middle of now where might have a charter company. The chances are they won't have a million pilots sitting on the front step like cairns, darwin, broome and kunnunarra so they will appreciate your time and effort and might even give you some work or point you to someone that will. All ways make a follow up call a day or two later, don't pester them just thank them for their time and restate your willingness to work and return to location if the operators situation chages. It has been the follow up call that has landed most of my mates their first gig. If all else fails head to the mentioned places and try your luck.
If you see an add or hear of a job opening, go and walk in the front door, even if that involves a flight, drive across states. A recent add on AFAP resulted in over 100 resumes. The guy that got the job, took the time to drive out to the country town and hand deliver his resume. He wasn't the most qualified but showed the most desire and effort. It always looks good and gives the boss a chance to face to face and saves them from sorting through 100+ resumes.
One thing that is a great idea is go to a minuteman press or similar place and get some business cards made up. You can usually get a box made up pretty cheap. Keep them simply, name, email, phone number (no wanky job titles such as commercial pilot, etc). Then give one to every person you meet on your travels.
Lastly, enjoy the road trip, you'll have a ball along the way and meet some interesting people.
P.S. Get your car serviced before you leave and get a good tent or swag, its cheaper then motel rooms, especially if your on the road for a month or two.