my dear shangrala.....I think that lady told you a very true statement....I'm not sure what types of job you are looking for, but honesty I prefer to work with a mature, wise coworker and train her rather than working with an mature, young person who is not responsible and tries her/his best to get around with the responsibilities....yes...that's true....companies are looking for a responsible person....

Again, I'm not sure what type of jobs you are looking for, it all depends, but please try to push all these negative thoughts away from your head....
I know you enough to say how smart and mature you are....

Your last day of your unemployment is your last day of being a house wife!

And yes, California is very expensive....argggg

By the way....don't forget to look in the craigslist.com for job....I found my last two jobs on craigslist....Let me know if you need any help in terms of job searching....I'm good at it....I can help you with your resume writing too....or interview skills....

good luck my friend and don't give up
take care and stay positive
Marjan