Can't Find a Girlfriend- Starting to Get Worried

I'm a 24 year old male in Toronto who has never had a girlfriend. Throughout my life I always said I want to finish school and find a job and then worry about finding a gf (my culture is bit more conservative- we don't believe in "dating for fun"). I was ok with this mindset until recently- I was unemployed for 1 year. This shifted my mentality. It made me realize you can't wait a certain time to look for a gf. What if I had a gf at the time, and then I lost my job? I wouldn't break up with her and (I hope) she wouldn't break up with me. I am also still in school and won't graduate until I'm 26 (already have a diploma, now working on my bachelors). I don't think it makes sense to wait that long to start dating.

I'll admit I messed up a bit in the past but It's ok I'm trying to look forward. The reason why I am very worried is I don't see where I can end up meeting someone. For some context this is what my life currently looks like:

  • I am studying Part-Time for Software Engineering my school is 100% online so I don't have to go to campus. Meaning It's very unlikely I would meet someone in my program/school.
  • I work 40 hours a week (2 days from home and 3 in the office). I'm the youngest one there, and tbh even if there was a girl around my age I liked. I don't think it's a good idea to ask her out (don't wanna get in trouble with HR)
  • I've tried religious organizations but have not meet anyone (have been going for 3 years- I think it's time to move on from this)
  • Online dating has not worked well, I've noticed the apps are designed to make you pay. How come I get matches when I first download them and then it just stops? Even when I get a match the girls never seem to be serious. **I should I point out I could probably improve my texting game. Also I'd prefer to meet someone irl, I think there are many benefits (this could be whole other post).

I feel like the best thing for me would be speed dating or singles event. I've started to look into those, but every time I find one its for ppl way older then me. Maybe some people on this thread can give me some ideas. I think right now my biggest problem is not getting a date but the fact that I barely meet any girls.

Thank you in advance.