He could always do temp work until his (government-funded) ship came in. I’ve done that before. Not very respected, but still good work.
I have worked three temp jobs. The first one was in 1990. I was hired after three months, lasted until 2001. Started.another, that same year, was made permanent, a few weeks later. Company moved.out of state in 2013. Took another temp job the following year, hired on the same year, still there. Lot of opportunity comes disguised as good, honest work . Thanks and Merry Christmas !