[jeffc]

From January 2001 through December 2003, 5.3 million long-tenured workers were displaced from full-time or part-time jobs they had held at least three years . . .

Yup. That's me. Worked 14 years at a company, worked my way up to Telecomm Manager. New top management comes in to stir up sales and I'm out so the new people can put their own guy in my place (I wasn't the only one. Almost all mid-management people were replaced).
Have only had short-term contract work since.

[Farnham]

Hang in there.
I was Director of Support at a software house, knocking down 75+.

I was out of work for 18 months. Painted houses (had never done it before, except mine),laid tile(never done it before), did tax returns, did plumbing repairs, finished cabinets and furniture (never done it before). Was barely able to keep my house.

One year ago this Thursday I took a job at 24k. Today I'm up to 37 at the same company, and have 3 interviews in the next 3 weeks (one internal, two external).

Never, ever, give up.

[Ciexyz]

Have had only short term contact work since.

Here's wishing you better prospects in the future.