Thought I had one, turned in my notice but they rescinded offer a week later for no obvious reason and went hiring freeze. Was about the exact point when the market started inclining couple of years ago. Still think if I had interviewed a month before I would have got the position Been jobless ever since.

I blame my self for it, for not having the insight. Consequences were severe

No, you should blame the company that rescinded the offer! Now it's probably too late but, did you try talking again with your former manager to see if you could get back your old job, after the offer was rescinded?

That was a while ago sadly, I just decided to learn my lesson and move on. Tough to square with the loss of my savings but is what it is

Kept up my certs and all, still do tech stuff all them time, think I'll have a job even if it's minimum wage and underemployment at some point

Wow, that's crazy. Hope you'll find something soon.