Can't break into the industry and I don't know if I should be blaming myself or the economy
This is a bit of a vent, but I desperately would appreciate advice.
When I was around 21 yrs old and still deciding what I wanted to do for a career, I decided I wanted to pursue fashion design because I was passionate about it. Maybe it was a poor decision because I had no money and my parents were immigrants, but they did best they could. I worked my ass off, got a part-time job in the food industry to pay rent (rent is so very expensive and it still is in my city), got the fashion design degree and.. couldn't land a job or even an internship (they all required you to be a college student, which I was no longer). I tried for months writing CVs and tailoring resumes. I definitely did flunk the few interviews I got because I was so nervous. I did eventually find a fashion-related job, but it's honestly a bit soul sucking.
I do admit my portfolio and experience isn't as impressive as others. Since I spent so much time working to pay rent and necessities during college, I didn't have time to build an amazing portfolio or the time to find a competitive internship (I did have one abroad, but it was in a developing country and they provided little to no real design experience). I want to make the time to build it up, but I have to work my full-time job because bills, debt, and my ever increasing rent.
Somehow, I fooled myself that my talent and passion would be enough. I know it also doesnt help that I'm trying to jumpstart a career in the midst of a bad American economy, too, but I just can't help blaming myself.
I still want to pursue this field. I've thought about creating my own business, going back to school, but I'm not sure it's worth it and I'm scared to risk my mental health, money, and sanity. Any outside perspective is appreciated.