I too have been similarly lucky - was not able to find a job for 2 1/2 years until I taught myself programming, and the money flows like water as a hard working

I too have been similarly lucky - was not able to find a job for 2 1/2 years until I taught myself programming, and the money flows like water as a hard working & smart frontend engineer. In the interim I was living off of military reserve pay and friends' apartments. I focused on long term decision making, and it paid off handsomely, but it did put some strain on friendships - I have compensated them some in return, but I still feel indebted to them.