Similar situation, but further in. Rolled the dice on a career change and crapped out.
Made a careful decision to retire from the military back in '19. Went and taught (along with other 91 work) in the race to 1500 because everyone was hiring. COVID hits. In May, rolled over 1500 (800+ multi), with nobody hiring. Knowing the days of an employer paying for anything (other than type) are over.... used my GI Bill to pay for the CTP course, just took the written and will take the ATP ride on my own dime. Back to teaching part time until someone will hire.
Timing truly is a bi***. Wife being employed and the mil retirement are at least keeping this from being cataclysmic. Oh well, that's the way the chips fell.