Remember Einstein's definition of insanity.
Same story for me. After about 200 attempts to get a job, the “Conventional way”, I stopped trying. Went outside the box, and now I’m working !
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.
“When you cannot get work in your chosen profession, it is time to change professions!”
Easy to say, but hard to do when 1) you have over 30 years experience in your industry, and 2) all the other industries in your area are equally depressed......
BTW after 3.5 years unemployment/underemployment I just landed a dream job in my industry that should take me out to retirement.......I start in two weeks.....
It pays to hang tough, and never give up.
Down the Donks!