Surplus1 and Avius, thank you both for your replies! Since I posted this message things have chanced a little bit. I am fortunate to be in direct contact with a recruiter, responsible for hiring flight crew for an airline.
Though they are currently not hiring, with a lot of furloughed pilots waiting for the call, this is worth something for the near future. And in the meantime.....I am trying to get my old job back and will have to live with a lot of traveling to see my family. Not a pleasant thought, but I think it will pay off one day.
Avius good luck to you as well!
O'Boy