Instead of an aerospace engineer you could be a line worker in some factory. The aerospace industry is the biggest industry there is so one would think finding a job would be no problem. Unfortunately anything that affects consumer demand for the end-product (aircraft) will eliminate career potential. Aerospace is also a convenient target for government cutbacks. And these days HR looks for specific credentials on a resume: A degree in aerospace engineering is NOT seen as equivalent to a degree in mechanical engineering or a degree in industrial engineering, even if it is in most cases. So cross-over between job types is more difficult because this HR bottleneck. And headhunting agencies will continue to post bogus job ads to beef up their 'file cabinet full of resumes' until they are outlawed. Finding a job in aerospace is like golfing in the sahara. Definition of futility.

You're right it's a hobby even if you're paid.