During my period of unemployment, many people have sent me jobs and asked me why I don't try for jobs outside of my field. I have tried for a wide range of jobs, professional, retail, and blue collar, but let me give an example of one thing I learned recently.
A little over ten years ago, I worked as a systems librarian for a major university library system. Despite the lousy work conditions, I saw this job as an important step to more advanced work as a systems librarian. It did give me a leg up when I decided to go work for AAAS as a webmaster, when the WWW was the hot new thing.
Recently I have applied to some help desk positions here in KC. Never ever got a bite. Working for the recruiter, I find out why. Companies don't want seasoned IT professionals for help desk work. They want fresh graduates from votech and IT colleges like Devry. They don't want to pay much and they want fresh blood. It doesn't matter if you are a seasoned tech who just needs to pay the bills. You have no chance.
Chuck -------------------------- Bread and Roses Web Design serving small businesses, non-profits, artists and activists http://www.breadandrosesweb.com/