One small piece of advice for those fighting an uphill battle now: never lose the long-term perspective. Everyone has hiccups in their careers. I was also not spared spending a year out of flying on one occasion. I know many, many other colleagues, excellent guys who eventually found good long-term flying jobs, who have also spent extended periods in unemployment or working other jobs for one reason or another.
It works differently for everyone. Someone has a very difficult start but progresses quite quickly and successfully afterwards. Someone else starts off swiftly enough but encounters some major setback later on. Some guys spend the best part of a decade flying part-time in GA and working second jobs, but eventually get a jet command on the fourth year of their first airline job. Others walk into a RHS straight out of flight school, but remain stuck right there for 10+ years. Everyone is different. Never suffer comparing yourself to anyone else and thinking that they did better or whatever. You're a unique case in yourself and you have your own path to follow. Don't give up and you'll eventually get where you want.
Stay strong and all the best for the New Year!