I can relate to much of what you said. I don't know if employers are ever going to "wake up" and realize that **** happens. And if it hasn't happened to THEM, I hope it will. It's inhumane not to hire unemployed people, to act like it's their fault.

It's not a perfect world, not everyone gets along with the boss or has perfect references/work history. It has a "ripple" effect, refusing to hire the unemployed....Hello? Idiot employers.

I heard a suggestion to look in the "non-traditional" job market, like for example, a housesitter or personal assistant to someone. Of course, it would take more than one job like this to make ends meet. But, in those kinds of jobs, you aren't so stigmatized for not having a stable work history or expected to know a second language as well as have a Master's degree---all for just a whopping $9 an hour and no benefits. AND no guarantee that you'll have a job even next week. (Been there!)