There are jobs on the outside, you just need to look for them. The problem is the expectation of salary and security at the moment. There is not, as yet, an appreciable draw from airlines for those that will only consider flying as an option; but this will change in time. For those that diversified away from flying during their careers (or those non-aircrew) there is still plenty of work outside as some sectors of the Defence Industry have escaped relatively unscathed. Given the trumpeted slashing of MoD MB & DE&S there will be plenty of work for Contractors as PTs struggle to fill the gap left by military/CS downsizing, particularly to support UOR programmes. My advice would be, if possible, diversify if you're still in the Services to give yourself as many options as possible at the next Option point / redundancy offer. The days of SO2s ticket-punching Staff Tour/Command Tour/Promotion & Staff College have gone for the time being.