Don't believe the hype re shortage of pilots. Sitting here as a CPL(H) with IR(H) and Current Class 1 Medical and after twelve months I'm not even able to get beyond the receptionist with any of the big three on the North Sea. I think maybe it's just the marketing message that keeps the training schools open !!!
As for me I've basically blown the lot and failed so it's back to my old job with a very sorry tail between my legs.
To all you newbies who'll ignore the advice just like I did - don't risk any more than you genuinely can afford cos it really smarts when it doesn't work out.
R1tamer