I am one of those kids, being a student who's currently doing VCE. Up until recently I wanted to be a pilot, but now I'm having second thoughts being:
The cost of training
Low pay
Being screwed by employers
Long/back of the clock hours
Over regulation
Having to compete with cadets who are willing to sell themselves
Over automation
The fact that pilots may very well not be required or in very low demand in 30 years time (drones, completely automatic or ground controlled aircraft)
Not exactly an attractive career.
Any aircrew shortage will simply be filled by fast tracked, 18 year old guys with shiny jet syndrome anyway.