One thing really pi##es me off is when people consider someone unemployable simply because they're between jobs! (I used to run job clubs for long term unemployed in UK). As has been previously suggested have you volunteered your work skills to a charity? There you would maintain your work skills for their benefit & even try your hand @ other aspects - Admin/Finance, Campaigns, Fundraising; Education, Press/PR - You'd also be surprised how many NGOs look on their volunteers as long term job applicants. Important thing is stay busy. As a volunteer you qualify CV-wise as employed coz the definition of employed is "to use" & it's a lot easier to get a job if you've already got one. So chin up, get stuck in & you'll do ok - Promise!