Is an IT Career Still Worth Pursuing?

I've got a 2-year diploma in Computer Information Systems where I learned a bit about IT hardware, software, operating systems, databases, and even took some programming classes in C++ and Java, alongside networking and cybersecurity. I've applied for countless positions, but I'm struggling to land a job in IT, even for help desk roles. My friends and family keep suggesting I switch to trades, but I'm really not interested in that career path, especially after I've invested so much in my IT education. I still want to work in IT support or system administration, but most listings want candidates with experience which I lack. What did others do to get their first job in IT without prior experience?