Having originally got my fATPL in about 1991 I kenw about 15 aerodrome bums - all trying to get hours/work. By 1996 all but but one had landed airline jobs.
Isn't that normal. Even when its good times?
I'm counting for 1:20-1:50 ratio of getting a job. That is only 1 of 20-50 that will get a job. And that is during good times (~year 2004).
Eikido