Yeah, hvert, some people have suggested I just go and try and find some sort of retail or similar minimum wage job. But, as you can see, minimum wage here is so low, as to not be worth it. Plus, I'd be seen as completely overqualified so I doubt I'd even get an offer. I also think there are many people out there who would need that sort of job more than me, especially with unemployment on the rise. At least in my case I have severance pay and am on unemployment insurance and we can pay our bills with my husband's salary. We were reasonable about how much house we could afford when we bought, which is now looking like a very smart decision.

Emily - yes, I agree that HR at many places is part of the problem. For example, at my last my last job, they signed off on my boss hiring unqualified bimbos who did not possess even the basic requirements in the job description.