[DeltAlum]

A couple of comments...

I know your frustration from a couple of levels. First, having children who have been in your position. Second, having lost a very well paying executive position and looking for a new one for over a year before accepting one for much less money than I was making.

So, some advice for whatever it is worth.

Don't shoot for the moon -- try for a satellite. In other words, don't set your sights too high. Get your foot in the door and prove your worth. You're caught in the old Catch 22 of not being able to find meaningful work because you have no experience, but not being able to gain experience without a job. But understand that experience really is the best teacher. That's why employers ask for it.

The only way to beat that is to keep trying.

When you do get a break, work as hard as you can to impress, don't complain about the working conditions, be punctual, dress well and be dependable. Play by the company rules -- no matter how stupid they may seem. And they will. Also realize that in most cases, you will learn more about how business operates in the first few months on the job than you did in all of your years in college. So, don't try to educate your boss.

This is true, no matter how menial the job may seem. Remember, someone will be watching.

My point, I suppose, is this -- your opportunity will probably come sooner or later. When it does, be thankful for it and don't screw it up.

Thus speaketh the voice of (good and bad) experience.