I’d say go north again and get a job doing anything, ok once Covid allows.
Pick anywhere, you’ve proven you don’t mind having a crack, now you have to pick the place you liked the most in your travels and hit it out.
It will get better, oh sure probably worse for a wee bit but it must get better.
Many good points above.
I don’t reckon you need to spend more money, just keep current in whatever town your in.