people love flying
Yes. It's like a casino. It's great fun, and some people win lots of money. And lots get sucked in and go home with empty pockets.
Flying is like that, and it is surprising how many people spend lots of time and money without first checking out the job situation. And the airline wannabies ended up in GA for years before either getting that job, or quitting flying.
And the airlines loved it. Australia had a large pool of desparate pilots they could pick from, and it cost them nothing.
But it has backfired on some airlines, because they did not maintain a proper recruiting and training plan, and now the situation has changed a bit (it has gone back to what it should be) they are finding it difficult to get the pilots they want (they seem to think only 1% are suitable????)
There is a bit more movement up the ladder, but it seems that despite what some airlines are calling a "shortage of pilots" the gatekeepers are only letting a few pass. More than before, but we see some whose application does not even get a reply. And there is more recruiting than there has been for decades.
In the world of art and music there are lots of wannabies, some starving, and a small group of artists who make squillions.
Aviation is similar.
For those who are starting out and want an airline career, it is smart to make contact with an airline asap. The flying school may tell you "there are plenty of airline jobs out there". But thousands of others will be told the same thing this year.
QUANCHOR Pilots ARE like cats!!!! They are individuals who know what they want, and are difficult to herd. But if you get some fish they will all follow you.