Struggling After Losing My Dream Job - Seeking Guidance, Assalamu Alaikum

Assalamu Alaikum. I worked hard in college and landed a tech job in a very tough market. It turned out to be amazing - high pay, nice coworkers, international exposure and a trip. I got good recognition in the company, but after about six months everything changed. During that international trip I was suddenly laid off, and I accepted it. It felt like the start of my career, and now it’s all gone. I keep asking, why me, Allah? There are some things I regret: I had a haram relationship with a non‑Muslim woman. She was kind and once gifted me a Quran for my birthday. I used to imagine a life with her, but that’s over now. I also became proud and arrogant at the job - that’s gone too, and I feel humbled and ashamed. Since then I’m working at a startup for about half the pay I used to earn, and the financial and emotional stress is heavy. My plans tied to the old job collapsed and I feel like I’m walking through a dark tunnel. I’m lonely without her and my mindset has turned negative. I worry that this is a punishment from Allah. I seek istighfar daily, but my thoughts keep returning to the past and it’s tearing me up inside. My question is: how would a good Muslim respond to this situation, and what practical steps should I take now? I want peace of mind and to accept that what’s gone was never meant for me. Any advice, duas, or personal experiences would mean a lot. JazākAllāhu khayran.