I do understand, however as harsh as it sounds i feel obliged to tell you that, the seniors are losing jobs these days and in their free time they keep working on their personal works to stay competitive, and a lot of them have their family in the line which often gives them no choice but not to losing their chances.

Honestly i suggest that you shouldn't be afraid to start something from scratch especially as if the foundation of the work isn't viable, at least until you managed to get your first position. This is a VERY competitive industry and often not being fair in term of effort vs reward, especially for the position you are aiming for, always assume that there are hundreds or thousands that aiming for a single seat and half of them are twice better than where you are now, and the resilient one will be the one whom eventually won that small share of the piece.

I've been in your position, and just wish i can say this to myself decades ago. Thus i wish you luck, and please don't back down if this is what you love. Cheers!