"Or a career change? Take up a job as a janitor for a few years until the job market recovers, then look for programming work again?" Yes. Or as a waiter, or

"Or a career change? Take up a job as a janitor for a few years until the job market recovers, then look for programming work again?" Yes. Or as a waiter, or in retail, or anywhere that will pay you. Coding for half of minimum wage is about the last thing you should do.