I also got my license following a crisis, it took me several years to find a job.
Don't give up. If you want the job, you will eventually manage. But be realistic, be positive, and stay focused. Unfortunately, no one knows how long will it take for the situation to stabilize. But given the number of very experienced pilots already flooding the market, and the ones to come, it won't be anytime soon.
If I am not mistaken, the expiry after 7 years happens if you didn't renew your IR/ME?