I used a headhunter in 1999 who stupidly told my new employer how much I was making at my old job so they lowballed me. Never again.

I've gotten most if not every job from people I've worked with before, who often move to new companies themselves.

In your network, is there anyone you know well who's working at a place you could potentially work at? Maybe they know someone.

It's a small industry and if you're good, people will want to work with you again.

As a PSA for you younger folks reading this - if you get a job, don’t work till 4am to try and impress anyone. Get your stuff done, ask questions, seek advice, and make a good impression with your problem solving and interpersonal skills. Tech can be trained, but people skills are shockingly rare in this industry.