Recruitment consultants can be cowboys, but I deal with a number on a daily basis who are well paid, professional, and have started their own businesses. If you are good at selling and have an eye for an opportunity then it could be for you. BUT it is very competitive, and people undercut each other on a regular basis.
The key (as with most jobs) is to research the agency you apply for. If you get the opportunity to ask questions, the obvious one which pops up would be about their retention rate. I use an agency every day as a client who have had the same three consultants for the last five years (they have also expanded). If people move on frequently it is likely to be an indicator of a difficult working environment. It is not a bad idea to ask a consultant. Why not? Phone one up and tell them your predicament. They can be varied and you can specialise in the recruitment sector you wish to be in. Long term, if you don't want to start your own agency you might want to consider head-hunting, which is lower volume but higher quality.
The main benefit I suppose of a career in recruitment would be that you get directly rewarded for the successes you achieve, and many of the recruitment commissions can be quite lucrative.
Good luck!