Dear Lovebird: good strategy (disconnecting esteem from job search). Like others here, I'm in my 40's, returned to school to get my BA. Still need to work, though, and am having many of similar frustrations.

It's a tough market right now; that you are getting interviews is a great sign.
You seem to have good determination and outlook - this will be attractive to an employer.

Agree with Strive4health, -defining work as a means to an end; it's not who you essentially are.

Wishing you the best! Take care - Bolivar