When I learnt to fly in the early 90's we had 11 people on my course. There are only 2 of us still flying today. Thats approx 20% success rate of staying in the industry. Back then there was no advertised jobs as there are today and it was near impossible to find that first job and progress up the ladder.
Maybe these days, with the rumoured small amount of licences being issued, it may not be a matter of a pilot shortage just a higher percentage of starters remaining in the game......Food for thought.