Feels like leaving helpdesk will be harder than it was getting into it

For context, I got my first job earlier this year with no creds at all. Sure I applied for an obscene amount of jobs for months but I never lost hope. To me it felt like it was possible because I already had experience fixing pcs for people I knew so I wasn't clueless. Also, lots of helpdesk is just customer service, so all in all it's not it's not a crazy idea for someone like me to be given a chance if they see potential in you.

Now, I recently started trying to apply to roles post helpdesk L1 or heck even something more horizontal but specialized like a SOC or NOC but I'm starting to think this will be harder than getting my 1st job. In general I can sum it up with with the following

1. There are WAY less of these entry-level specialized roles (even if you combine them) vs helpdesk, like drastically less and I live in a big area.

2. The requirements are through the roof. I know many times these are more of a wishlist but still, I feel like now it isn't because in this market they can afford to be picky

3. Unlike helpdesk, they're much less likely to give someone a shot to say be a net admin for their company if they don't have direct prove experience

I have an associates (working on bachelors), Sec+, currently working on the CCNA and when I have time I work on a homelab project I have on the side. The company I work at is great, if I want to stay in helpdesk that is. At this point I'm considering getting a helpdesk job at another company as long as there's real room for internal growth to something better but I don't know if it's worth it. Has anyone tried something similar?