I started training the month after Sept 11, 2001 and the outlook then was extremely bleak. Jobs were few and far between and I ended up doing the drive up north that so many recommend - luckily getting my first job within a month or so.
I’m now also working overseas, was affected by the 2008 downturn and currently trying to hang on to a job due Coronavirus. Like the above poster I highly recommend flying in the USA, at the very least it will help you advance your career to become more competitive for a job back home.
Its an industry like no other but what it shares in common with other occupations is that you really need drive to succeed. You may get lucky with timing but at some point you’ll need some inner grit to stay the course.