There seems to be a universal tendency among some pilots and especially relatively inexperienced pilots, to press on in order to get home. Either of these takes a long time to fix, not to mention expense. Don't be too proud to turn back. Wait it out and try again later. I have noticed a significant difference between the electrical system used in automobiles as compared to boats and airplanes.
Automobiles have no master switch.
The ignition switch is not a master switch. All airplanes and some boats with inboard engines generally have a master switch. The master switch is the first switch on the checklist for starting. The master switch actuates a solenoid, which has large contacts capable of handling the current needed by all the electrical systems and the very high current required by the starter. In short, it connects and disconnects the battery to the airplane.