First off, my heart goes out to all of you working in the States, it seems like an awful time working there, especially in corporate jobs.
I wanted to share my experience going from what I read a lot of in here to where I am now. I moved to Canada from NZ over five years ago now and due to visa reasons, I had to go back to a trades (climbing trees) job I didn't think I'd ever do again because of the work culture. I was legally tied to my employer for nearly four years while trying to get permanent residency (PR). I had a great group of people to work with, but I was a crew leader that climbed the largest trees because I had the most experience there. Every day I was up 50-100ft trees doing big work and just busting my body for $25 an hour. After a 40-hour week, I'd only have between $600-$800 after taxes.
I ended up being so burned out that I was calling in sick all the time, stood down from crew leading and was just barling meeting the level I needed because I was so checked out. Thankfully my boss understood and he let me just work out my mind, even though I was super annoying due to my inconsistency. Anyway, I got PR and started to do my own tree jobs on the side and eventually had enough work that I could quit and work for myself, and it's the best thing I ever did!
There is a bit of uncertainty of work availability, but my operating costs are so low that I did two small jobs last week (worked 7.5hours total) and I made the same amount of money I would have in a week. I went from breaking my body day in, day out, to being able to choose how busy I want to be and when I want to be busy. This should be your future.
I get that with corporate jobs it might not be that easy, but find a way to work for yourself and get rid of the bosses above you. They're selling YOUR SKILLS to their clients anyways, so why not make the money from YOUR SKILL?
If you work a job that doesn't lend itself to self-employment then consider changing, especially if you're young still. Don't listen to society that tells you that trades jobs are for idiots who can't get into university. I charge myself out at $120-$160 an hour for my work in a trade. There are so many trades jobs available because they've been demonized for the last 20 years.
Lastly, people love small businesses, especially in a post-COVID world. They saw the need and desire for them when they were all shut down. People want to know who is working for them personally, not some corporate machine.
Start a business, make friends with clients, advertize on FB and Instagram and make what you're worth. I'm lazy and unmotivated, so if I can do it, YOU can do it.