Hey mate,
It's not all doom and gloom. Particularly if you're switched on and ambitious.
Like many other industries across Australia, we're coming into a employment shortage.
If you're genuinely interested, you will get job satisfaction from what you do each day, regardless of the fact that your friends will be making more money than you for many years.
In saying that, I've seen many parts of the world and most of Australia on someone else's money.
Keep an open mind and do some research to try and find a reputable organisation somewhere you are happy to live. Apply for some work experience, sweep the floor, clean the aircraft and soak up the experience.
Like the rest of life, if it's meant to be, it'll work out.
Read lots and keep an open mind, you'll be fine.