I think this area is also extremely snobby as far as education goes. I have over ten years of hands-on experience, but they'd rather I had a graduate degree and NO experience. Makes no sense to me.
I'm just fretting again. Thing is, even if the company I was working for offers me a job again, it will likely be just setting up the computers they'll then be able to afford - the reason the project was cut short was because they ran out of money to purchase computers. And I really don't want to do short term stuff again. I will if I have to, but I want a real job.
I know you're frustrated, chica. Try not to let it get to you though.
You'll be shackled to your own cubicle soon enough. Don't rush! :-D