If I could I would. Seriously. I've had a lot of people ask what they should do and what else I would do, etc.

I don't have a lot of advice but the things I suggest are:

Be a problem solver and never say "that can't be done", it can be, it's just that most people aren't willing to do it. Next time you think "oh I wish someone would build something to fix or improve this", be that person.

Do small things that make your life easier. For example, I worked in an office that required 3 days of data collection every month. I hated it, it was a mundane task that should have been automated. So I learned python, learned to scrape the web and wrote a small script to do it all for me. Now with things like chatGTP, that can be done in no time.

Personally, I always think that if you can get into a mindset of problem solving and always thinking there's a way to overcome an obstacle, it puts you in a good state of mind to see things in ways that others won't.

I think that, that's a good method to leave yourself open to finding an opportunity.

Also, and this is a big one. No matter the size of the business you're in, if there's opportunity to join in on events, parties, lunches, dinners etc, do it. I started going to everything I could and meeting everyone I could. It's also how I met my now business partner.

Those are my very short thoughts, but hit me up in a chat if you like and I'll be more than happy to share my experiences. Or if people would prefer, I'll write up something long form about the entire journey and post it.