Hahahaha, I was attracted by the topic, hoping to read an end to hustle, but the truth is that hustle never ends. And yes your friend is right, these days, life is all about "who you know, not what you know" and it's making life so frustrating. Thank God she chose peace.

It's good you found a system that works for you, that makes you have control over your time. Sometimes some work environment and interviews can really drain a person emotionally and mentally. Since agency teaching seems to suit you well, please stick to it, because at the end, you peace of mind is what truly matters.