G SXTY has it right - timing.
I'm on my way through watching the third cycle in my aviation awareness span - I have not flown since 2000 professionally and never attained a rank higher than Navajo driver. But... I'm getting back into it now with a three year plan, specifically for timing. 2500 TT and 500 ME right now does not qualify me for a RHS job w/ a good 737 or A320 operator, but that all changes once people start retiring (Air Canada expects an increase in the annual exodus now and into the near future - while at the same time economic conditions - being cyclical, are likely to improve.)
As a 39 year old (you heard that right) who is looking for RHS job (to start) with a great Canadian co., I think that being ready for the next three years is likely to be ideal. Consider that the US and Europe drive a good chunk of the now heavily interdependent global economy. Once the hangover and deluge wears off from the great collapse of credit markets etc, there is a good chance that there simply won't be enough candidates.
Now, ofcourse, there's a good chance I'm just smoking my own concoction of fantasy and that nothing will happen. Ready for that eventuality too - but I've invested a fair bit in IPC checks and ATPL studying so that I'm ready willing and able.
I'd love to know what others think - My thinking is that at 42 or so I want to be ready.