Yes you have to be willing to change professions...or move to an area where there are at least some jobs. My step-son worked marginal jobs in an area where the economy is soft for the last two years, then recently he totally left the area and found a great job within days. Now his wife does not want to move to the new location, but that is a different story. It amazes me how many people are unwilling to move.
I think what makes this recession more painful than most is the housing market. If you are tied to a mortgage and can’t sell your house, you can’t move. I would have been more than happy to move to a different region to work, but it wasn’t an option. It would have to get to the point of losing your house and having ruined credit before a move could be made. I’m glad I got lucky and found a job after just 5 months.