This industry is all about timing. Some people get lucky and get in at the right time so they are able to weather the occasional storm, and some are forced to seek employment elsewhere.

I was someone who missed my original window for this career when the market turned in the early 90s so I went into tech. Had a great career in that industry working for others and then woke up at one point and realized I had enough knowledge to work for myself so that's what I do now, in addition to flying 121.

As someone who has worked 12-14 hour days (and I mean real work days where the work never stops) in tech I'll echo the earlier sentiment that as far as careers go, once you get to a 121 cockpit and become familiar with your responsibilities and aircraft, flying is a pretty easy gig. That's not to say you don't earn your money at times or that there isn't huge risk involved at all levels, but once you learn to manage things, it's incredibly easy to show up, fly a few legs, and be released from duty, free of all cares. I wish other businesses were like that. I remember in tech routinely waking up at 3AM (after going to bed at 1AM) and writing down a solution to a problem that plagued me that day. As a pilot on the road I sleep like a stone.

My advice to the OP is to bail out until it makes sense to return. Use the time wisely. Get a good job making real money, preferably doing something you find interesting, get a Masters, and give it all you have. Then, at some point in the future, when the market turns and the airlines are hiring again, consider coming back...if it makes financial sense at that point. Worked for me.