>Is there any hope for someone like me?
>Is there any reasonable path to starting over?
>Where do I even begin?
>Will tech co’s ever consider hiring someone like me?
Frankly, that reads like a recruitment poster. If you are asking yourself such questions, have you considered the military? There are all sorts of tech-related jobs in the military that are way more interesting than the civilian equivalent. Whatever you do, the military would give you a clear path for advancement and improvement. Even if you don't stick with it, a few years of military experience doesn't hurt a resume.
Frankly, that reads like a recruitment poster. If you are asking yourself such questions, have you considered the military? There are all sorts of tech-related jobs in the military that are way more interesting than the civilian equivalent. Whatever you do, the military would give you a clear path for advancement and improvement. Even if you don't stick with it, a few years of military experience doesn't hurt a resume.