Yes indeed it’s been a massive mistake.
For pilots it’s been brutal. I now have EASA and have a parent who was born in EU land so am in the process of getting dual citizenship.
I count myself very lucky. For those without this opportunity options are out there but yes it limits you in an already very competitive market.
Sad to say I honestly hope the whole UK system now crumbles. I still have a Brexiteer friend who just denies everything blaming COVID on the whole lot.