29 y/o — wanted to be a controller in the terminal environment, got accepted for en route at the academy but washed out — give up on the dream and let it die? Anyone have any advice on ways to get back in?

Gave it my best shot at the academy but came up short. At 29 I'm trying to be realistic and planning to pivot to something else, but I still want to try and exhaust all the angles I can before I officially call it quits.

Any advice pertaining to contractor gigs, military opportunities etc. to try and apply for a prior experience bid before I turn 35 would be much appreciated. Hopefully this can provide helpful info to others as well.

Cheers.