[nstart]

Likewise. I'm not 30 but at this point I've cracked through a wall where I'm blessed to be surrounded by a large number of contacts who can give me a job should I ask. As a small addendum to this. It's a two way street. I've made a lot of matches between those looking for the job and those looking for someone to fill the job role. Participated in tech meetups in a supportive role (organising, giving talks), and have met and helped startups and other tech people through feedback and the occasional 'introduction' to someone else. This has all generated a large network of people whom I interact with on a casual basis. We don't look at only getting favours from each other. Instead we've become a group of friends that can grab a coffee at any time and chill out as well.

Downside to that. It was NOT overnight.

So with respect to the OP's question and regarding the informational interview approach, there's one thing I have discovered that surprised me. How many acquaintances I haven't spoken with in years are actually willing to jump in and help me if I open up to them asking for it. Pretty amazing that :)