Most don't have back up plans because they have spent over 100k getting a four year degree and all of the ratings required and are generally straped for cash to try to do anything else.
Now they cannot qualify for another loan to get another degree in something outside of aviation.
Its a sad vicious cycle that the universities and flight schools keep promising the "moon" to incoming students and in the end you are saddled with huge debt, making 22k a year with no upgrade in sight, and away from your family over half of the year. But hey your an RJ pilot!!!
I have had a few high school teachers ask me to come and speak to students about being a pilot as a career choice. I certainly don't candy coat it and make it sound as rosy as it was portrayed to me as a child. I know times have changed in the last 20 years in aviation. By the end of my talk, and the Q&A portion most students dont think that becoming a pilot is as glamorous as it once was.
The amount of sacrafice is huge in the hopes you can get on with a legacy, Fedex, corporate, or a carrier that you enjoy flying for with out being burnt out in the process.
Good Luck to future aviation students. This industry will kick your @$$. Hold on for the ride!