For what its worth, I do see an improvement next year in instructing jobs....but then again it couldnt possibly be any worse than it is now could it?
One point I would make to any aspiring FIs (and im sure you know this already) is that it definitely isnt the "career stepping-stone" that it used to be. I loved being an instructor and it improved my skills no end but at the end of the day (unfortunetly) a lot of companies (including mine now
!) will take a 200hr guy/gal whos prepared to shell out for a TR over an FI with 1000/2000hrs...most of which are PIC. Sad but true
Definitely not the profession it was. Having said that, instructing is great and i wouldnt want to discourage anyone from doing it (as long as you GENUINELY want to) but do bear what I have said in mind.
Been there,done that, have the T-shirt!
Alph