The shortage won't last forever. They will certify drones, first for cargo then passenger planes. I expect they will be able to go down to 2 crew on long flights instead of 4 and have 1 pilot at the controls all the time. Then just 1 pilot to be there for emergencies and T/O and landing. Then none.
If I were 18 I wouldn't be spending my money on an aviation 4 year degree and flight training for a career that might only last 10-20 years.
Just saying.