Yes, it comes down to opportunity availability of course, but I also wonder if had the opportunity to become a pilot presented, would the person have taken it? Having the potential for it and having the ability to take the opportunity are different things.
I just hope Smallsteps learns enough to find her own way :)
Nope, the person will think that his current employment (that he hates) is better as he has to cover his bond and his debts. How do I know? Because I was in that same situation a few times in my life.
Then of course age makes a difference, as I found what I always wanted to do and when a person came and offered me a big dollar package to go and manage his cobalt mine in the Congo, he was mightily surprised that I refused the offer. I started Papillon at the time and I am still at Papillon, until I die.
So the lesson to do what one loves are learnt at various stages of our lives and sadly so many never learn it.