[JBlue42]

This is an important point.

I'm probably counted different now that my six months of unemployment have run out. I didn't necessarily 'turn down' work but I also didn't apply for jobs that would have me driving over an hour one way for $12-15 for what is supposed to be a somewhat experienced position (IT work w/ a lot of requirements). This is in LA so shit's already experience.

Right now, I could've been working two weeks ago if a recruiter had had their shit together (interviewed and got job four weeks ago; actual paperwork took two weeks; when I could've started, they found out their contract w/ company had expired).

It's very frustrating out here even having done the things the media bullhorn has said to do - work in tech, work in an office, etc etc.