Relocated M5 struggling to get full time job. Anybody in a similar boat?

[McHaggis]

Hi there, quick background. Moved from the South West to the North in October 2019. Left a good job with leadership prospects, and took time to travel (managed to teach EAL in Italy a couple of times which was great) with the view to taking this time out, get a feel for the area before ultimately getting a job and starting a family. My partner and I lived apart for years, and we decided that my job would be more transferable, hence the move on my part.
Covid hits, all travel plans out the window. Can't do supply so did private tuition to make ends meet. Did day to day supply when schools went back and have been in a long term supply post since March.
I've just had an interview today and didn't get it, which is the 4th one in a row now. Each time has eroded my confidence and I feel utterly worthless. I am a resilient person but I feel at breaking point/full of regret for leaving that job down South.

Are there any folks in a similar position out there who can offer some advice? Keep plugging away at supply?

The school I am currently at did ask me to interview but I declined ( without giving too much info, the head resigned recently and out of a tiny staff, almost all are leaving the school at the end of this term)

Any advice or wisdom welcome. First time I have posted on this as I feel a bit lost.

Im in a similar position, what i seem to be seeing is that academy chains are employing the trainees that have been on placement with them to mould a certain corporate style.

I think Cornwall has always been tough job wise, particularly in primary (from your post, I am guessing you are primary? Apologies if not).

I know lots of people are leaving at your current school- are there still vacancies? If so, could you accept one, even though it may not be perfect? A new head and new staff may help things?

At least then, you have a stable job and you can keep your eyes open for other opportunities if you wish.

At this stage in the year, you might have luck getting a year contract through an agency, although people I know tend to report that most agency roles only pay up to M3. It might get you a foot in the door somewhere and boost your confidence though.

Does your current school have a new head in post? If the new head is due to start in September then it could be a sign your school is about to change, in which case could it be worth staying?

I am an ITT lead and I've never known a year so tough for recruitment. Our trainees have missed out on a lot of vacancies which have gone to experienced teachers because schools seem to want appointees who can hit the ground running and won't need significant support, especially under the new ECT framework, so I don't think M5 is necessarily the problem.

I got my current job by sending out unsolicited CVs with a covering letter to schools where I wanted to work. Worth a shot?