How to return from buy-side to sell-side for trading?

Title self-explanatory. 

Been on buy-side (HF) for couple years and don't really enjoy my role anymore & not confident that it will improve naturally. Struggling to get traction at other buy-side shops (non-compete is prohibitive for my YoE). Am considering trying to move back to sell-side/market making (and would be open to taking a pay-cut to find a role where I am happier). Not finding recruiters to be useful currently, and don't think would be strictly necessary for this move.

Few questions for people who have returned to sell-side:
- how did you find out about the opportunity? Most traders I knew have left bank I was at. Also, my PM is v well connected with the street so last thing I want is for them to find out I have been asking around about roles.

- how did you deal with the non-compete (i.e. my NC is longer than sell-side peers by a decent amount)? Did you recruit after quitting from buy-side role? (but I think that is risky)

• how is the sell-side hiring landscape now? Not seeing (m)any people leave the "good roles".