I lost my low-paying job of 14 years in August of 2007, but within two weeks I was working for a company in the building next door to my old job and making more money, so things were looking up, or so I thought. Unfortunately, early on I could kind of tell this job wasn't right for me on a number of levels and I don't think I was right for it. But I was willing to stick it out because the hours were good, the location was good, and the money was good. Seeing that it was just supposed to be a 'trial-run' temporary (possibly to permanent) job to begin with, after six months they laid me off - or ended the 'assignment' - in February of this year. I know they could have kept me if they felt I was a good fit, but they didn't. I only landed a couple of job interviews after that and they both looked promising. I was not hired for either one. So, basically, aside from some random freelance stuff I am trying to to (which is not regular), I have been jobless since February. Eventually, after sending out hundreds of resumes, I wasn't even getting called for interviews anymore, as the economy got worse and worse. I tried the word-of-mouth route, spreading the word to everyone I know about needing a job and hoping that someone knew someone who knew someone who knew someone who could hire me. Some of my friends even have good contacts in big, established, seemingly stable companies. No luck. So, even though I try to keep reminding myself that this just means there is something bigger and brighter ahead, and that this is all happening for a greater reason, it is hard to remember that when rent is due and there is no money for it! Not to mention the fact that now I am totally out of the loop as far as working in an office environment, so even if I did get hired somewhere, I would feel out of place and not quite confident for a while!
It looks like things are going to get worse before they get better in this economy, so being able to make it through the really rough spots to get to the other side is the hard part. I wish you luck! I will cross my fingers that you get a better job soon!
i truly hope your next chapter is the beginning of a great life. 
