Same here. People make helpful suggestions, but either they are "way off" for me personally, for someone in my geographical area, for someone my age, someone with my family situation, someone with my skills and temperament, etc.
I want to underline how long I've been a software dev, how long I've identified and worked successfully as a software dev, and how long (zero) I've ever considered other lines of work.
It's crazy to me that this line of work isn't working anymore.

It's like running out of food for the first time in your life, and someone lists off your possible courses of action: "we could go to the KFC dumpster, we could go forage for food in the woods, we could beg on the street for food" and you just throw up your hands, silently walk to your bedroom, and close the door -- because who could make such a decision? They all seem equally insane to you. If you indeed have to do one of those things, it's going to have to be later, because I can't right now.

CNC lathes -- I first saw that term reading the classifieds in my hometown's newspaper. Rockford, IL. A manufacturing town, or at least it used to be. I don't know how much MFG we have in this part of Texas.

One thing for sure -- moving is 100% out of the question. I have a large family, and a very complicated homestead we've built up for years. We have WAY too many roots here to uproot now. Just for starters, Texas is where I want to raise my kids. Money isn't everything. I'll find something eventually, that I can do online, or some other random field. But we have to stay here, that's one thing I've decided.

This 6 minute video talks about the long-term problems of younger developers relying on AI to appear so productive and fast.

The economy is in shambles. We keep hearing trump saying it’s the best ever. Jobs are everywhere no one wants to work. We have to bring in more cheap labor. It’s suicidal. It’s so frustrating. I’m filling out applications online and it’s like they disappear in a black hole you don’t hear back at all or they send you an email saying “ they are going a different direction” what ever that means. I’m starting to get nervous. I can’t find a an entry level position that pays more than 15$ an hour with no benefits. I made the mistake of working trades my whole life and never getting certified in anything. I hope the young guys hear that and get certified. Get certified in anything. Forklift, osha, ect….. what ever it is you do. Age 40 and up no one wants you on these labor roles unless your certified. Even if you know more than those certified. It’s all about insurance and paperwork now. Loyalty and real world experience get you no where. And it’s obvious in Knoxville it’s all about the companies bottom line because temp positions and full time positions are no where. They want to work you 30 hours what ever the limit is just below benefits. They will keep you in that loop forever it seems with empty promises of putting you full time at some point. It’s scary. I’m praying for everyone going through it.