Last boom
During the last boom management was content with hiring teenagers to fly the line and the public went with it. No matter what happens rest assured that it will not translate to higher wages and less work. Companies simply can not let costs increase.
Issues of the future:
Open Skies - International operators in the USA
China Airborne - China is gearing up to dominate global aviation
Global Economic Worries - We are not out of economic danger
Shrinking Legacy Airlines - fewer good jobs
Multi Crew License - Reduced training costs for cheaper pilots
Automation - Makes it easier to hire low grade pilots
We might need more pilots in the future but flying is still a business. Companies spend every waking moment trying to undercut their competition. The pressure is constantly on the down side. The world knows that pilots are cheap and an indentured workforce. There are considerable forces at work to insure that it remains so.
I would not be surprised if a global shortage happens but the real question is not if you will be able to get a job but rather will the job be even worth having by the time you get there.
Skyhigh