I think I see the problem.
It's not the economy.
Lots of people get IT jobs in your area every single day, probably doing the exact same thing you used to do.
It's just that bitter, unpleasant people who blame everybody else for everything are not very attractive hiring candidates.
So that is supposed to explain why I am still working in the IT business? I am not a good candidate? NO. I am STILL hanging on to MY job in MY chosen field because I am DAMN good at what I do and kicked a$$ to keep my job,,, THAT'S why.
Few in my field have my background in Airborne Infantry and understands the value of getting in the face of corporate "management" and "explaining" the superiority of getting something done right the first time, having the ability to speak to a customer in English, NOT "engrish" and fixing the problem on the FIRST CALL to IT.
That is why I STILL have my job, I am just getting SICK and TIRED of having to "explain" the obvious to my "superior management" on a daily basis.
As far as "taking less pay" to grovel and keep my job...
That BS can KMA. I will not do that and actively support any other of my u.S. Citizen fellow employees that do the same as I.
Of course, if you wish to grovel and beg for what was yours to begin with, go right ahead. In the end it will get you nothing but a bootprint in your back.
TLI