Feeling cynical

It used to encourage me when politicians would speak about the lack of people with math/science skills since I knew I'd then be one of these coveted few. Now that it is time to graduate and look for an acedemic position one can only look around and say: OH that's why there aren't many people with these skills, there are almost no acedemic jobs! Obviously you can't give a professorship to every Ph.D, but it shouldn't look like it is more probable to win the lottery than a tenure track position. Yes, I do have a very coveted degree (or will have soon), but it seems like a very sick joke to learn all this very interesting physics and how to investigate fundamental questions about the universe and not use it or use it for non-academics. I know it can apply and the methods are applicable to almost any field but it's like learning all about detailed chemistry of taste to become wine taster.

Now there is nothing wrong with using the degree for other things and making more money, but when you always hear about the "brain drain" or "lack of skilled" it can only make you cynical when you are looking for a position. (Note: if it turns out I find a great position I may change my opinion depending on how hard it was :)