I've got no advice for you other than to say keep hustling, keep trying.

I left my great paying job in manufacturing in '91. I've never made more
than 1/4 of the salary, but I wouldn't go back for anything. In my case, I
found a way to make a living selling apples and strawberries. Selling your
skills as a tool and die maker has got to be easier. You gotta find your
little niche, for example debugging and building prototype molds is perfect
for a one man show.

Good Luck

Karl