I was never able to get a job through applications on LinkedIn, Indeed, etc. Every job I got was through a referral, and the same is true for my friends who are also programmers.

I am so screwed then. I have been wishy-washy about going on the hunt again. However, I have absolutely no network. Every dev I worked with that I have any way of contacting, which were not many to begin with, has completely left the field in pursuit of some other role.