Interesting article.
25 years ago, i had planned on getting into the Audio Engineer field. I was accepted at a highly-rated Ontario college for Sound Engineering/Production, a 3-year program. Between the time I was accepted, and the time I was planning to move to London (Ont.) for school, I learned that after graduation I'd be expected to "apprentice" for free in a studio. I don't know anyone who can work for free without living in their parents' homes, so that option died.
I make more than the median Sound Engineer, but have a much less-enjoyable job. I'd take that pay cut for a field that I love. If it wasn't for that damned apprenticeship, life could have been quite different.