UK Mechanics: Need Advice — Side Work, Small Independent, or Mobile Setup?

Hey all, looking for some advice from mechanics or anyone who's been in a sort of similar position. I worked as a vehicle technician for about 4.5 years in dealerships. Started at 16, fully trained Level 3, and F-gas certified. I left the trade just before turning 21. My dealership experience was pretty frustrating if I'm honest.

At my first dealership, they wouldn't train me properly at all - they kept me on tyres, spinning filters, and quick maintenance jobs because it helped them smash their quarterly bonus targets. Meanwhile, I wasn't getting the technical exposure I was promised.

| left for another dealer for better development, but ended up stitched up in a different way - constantly doing warranty interior rattles/ knock jobs. Anyone who's done those knows they can swallow your entire day and don't build your skills much either.

Eventually I left the trade and moved into a railway apprenticeship doing substation works which I've now completed and 1 year out my time. I work 36 hours a week with good stability, but I've realised I'm basically wasting my mechanical qualifications and a skillset I put years into. And honestly, I do miss some of the job ( I know it's sounds crazy but most of us got in the trade cause we had an interest in cars until the weight of the motor trade crushed us)

Right now I'm stuck between two options:

1. Work 1-2 days a week at a small independent garage. Negotiate an hourly rate, do real mechanical work again, and see if I still enjoy it outside the dealership pressure.
2. Start a small mobile side gig Servicing, brakes, small diagnostics, MOT prep. But I'm aware of the insurance, van, tools,manufactures blocking aftermarket scanners software and general hassle.

Looking for advice from UK techs who have:

• moved from dealership to independent
• started mobile side work
• left the trade and returned later
• OR work automotive still

What would you do in my situation? Cheers for any input - genuinely trying to figure out the right direction.