Getting out of IT
I think once people really start to grow up, in my case, in my mid-thirties, you realize that there's things you want to do that are not going to get done if you are stuck behind a computer and desk.
Most of the fun stuff, like training, gratuitous 'field testing' of software in interesting locations, laid back work environment, decent office, regular pay rises, and fun coworkers ... all these things have gradually reduced, certainly in my IT career. I joined a big oil services company for more money, and for the opportunity to travel. It was great for a while, but although the money is decent, the feeling that there is other things 'out there', that once I only dreamed of, like flying, is like a driving force out of IT.
I have pilot friends that tell me how much worse it has got, but to their credit no one has tried to talk me out of trying to fly as a career. I am not expecting too much, but I hope to be able to put food in my mouth, and maybe one day to fly in corporate or a regional ... for now, with the industry in the mess it's in, I will do my best to get my licenses finished, and find an instructing position, banner tow, whatever, just to keep flying.
From my perspective, the people I know in aviation are still part of a big family, and there's a cameraderie and shared experience missing from many other parts of life.
At low levels of the industry, at least from what I see locally here in the states, there is still instructor turnover, and enough activity that it should be possible to land a job, even though there is not too much hiring in the higher levels.
Hopefully, this is as bad as it is going to get, and the next few years will be better. The oil industry is similar. Maybe a year or two to go from 40% layoffs to hiring anyone with a pulse ... lets hope it improves.