Then why not try again but use different tactics in the meantime? At worst, you are refreshing your memory and skillset and building upon a portfolio that could prove to a potential employer that you know what you're doing. At best, you could get lucky and make a killing and not need to work. I know that there are people who make the equivalent to 6 figure salaries or 5 figures a month even off internet marketing so who knows what's possible?

I've personally been self teaching myself a lot of this stuff because I ultimately want to transition into being an online entrepreneur because I desire the freedom and independence that comes with it. I strategically picked my web design major in college because I plan on eventually using those skills alongside internet marketing or ecommerce to be an entrepreneur and gain my independence so I don't ever have to work a regular job and be miserable ever again. If I do need a regular job, web design is one of those careers that you could build together a portfolio of your work and use it to prove yourself to employers without having to deal with a complicated job interview since many developers and programmers are introverted and employers don't expect us to be particularly charismatic

Also, as my knowledge of a web developer grows, I may be willing to help you with your affiliate ads or whatever else you need.