I am in the same boat as you OP. Started acca after working 2-3 years , did work and study side by side. And was officially an acca affiliate at the age of 28. But guess what ? No job is forthcoming in a appropriate position. I have been in the work force for 8 years and have slogged to complete my certification with no assistance from employer. Who by the way kicked me out post covid saying depr restructuring .
Was it worth wasting all these years instead of doing a masters . God knows.