I let my ME/IR lapse a couple of years ago, had tried for 5 years to get a job, I was so focused on trying, I let everything else slip, I turned into a bitter cynical git.
I am totally relieved now that I let it go, looking back I can't really see why I was so desperate to get into a career full of equally bitter people, laughable T&C's, and the prospect of living in a hotel.
I now do what I should have done in the first place - fly for pleasure, under my terms.
Good luck Knocked down.