ps...what bugs me is the cost of living has just about tripled in the last decade - The cost of food - gas - utilities etc have skyrocketed ....yet employers still seem to be offering the same pay as though things are still the same....

I'd love to go just ONE day without worrying about money - but I don't see that happening anytime soon.
A suggestion - is there something you can do from home while you job search ? I work from home (doing labels and cards) ...It started as a hobby - but now is a must if I want to eat