Prayer said &sounds like you need a hug too.
Rejections are tough. Being out of work so long makes them even more painful. I know as I'm in a similar situation as your DH. You love the attention from the employers when it's given to you, but when you find out that they choose the other canidate it's heartbreaking.
The problem is that for the more highly trained positions the companies are looking for an employee like a needle in a haystack. They get hundreds of applicants, but they need that one person who is the precise fit, with the right experience, training and has even "sewn" their type of product before. A tough fit to find to say the least, and to drop down to a junior level makes the employers say "What's wrong with him/her? Don't bother."
I'm glad to hear you have a retirement fund as a last resort. I hope you don't need to cut into it, but if your husband starts to get depressed from too many rejections it might be worthwhile to rejuvinate his spirits with a small 2 day getaway to the beach, mountains etc. I keep myself going by planning "virtual" vacations - even booked my virtual RT airfare from PVD->MCO tonight. Prices finally dropped to a price I still can't afford
Well, maybe we should dip a little into our savings for a small vacation, but I just can't bring myself to do so. Ever since dh was laid off I've been as tight as a church mouse, literally not spending once cent more than need be. We just don't know how long we will have to go on what we've got. Oh, well, yesterday I did splurge on some snacks, spent about $20 on soft drinks, chips, etc., but we were out all day and sometimes you just need a treat. DD actually said in a way its rubbing it in with dh. I was surprised at her insight (she's 11). In a way, she's right. Our lifestyle has changed some, but not really. We do go out to eat occassionally, but just go to all-you-can-eat buffets, Red Lobster and Steak & Ale are a distant memory. Movies are matinees or the free ones at the mall. I've cashed in some MyPoints for GC's at restaurants, all-in-all I do pretty good at entertainment on a budget, because I realize we must do something besides just the basics.
Maybe a little trip would help, but I'd begrudge every penny spent. I've turned into a skin flint, but not without reason. We're too young to retire, too old for the job market, what's the next step? I might look for work when I recover from my back surgery, will be at least another 2-3 months. Well, thanks for the prayers and pixie dust, it helps!
