I too, am told repeatedly that I am over-qualified OR that I don't have the qualifications they are looking for-- even though I KNOW that I could do the job I am applying for, if only given the chance. Once, I was even told by a recruiter that my resume' and qualifications were quote, 'laughable', and that if she were to pass along my resume to the company, she wouldn't get any more business from that company! Jeez, I felt pretty low that day!
It is VERY frustrating and depressing to hear 'NO' all the time. Especially when you are trying so hard each and every day.
I don't know what your skillsets are, but you mention that you are a carpenter? I am from New Orleans originally, and I know there are many, many people who are there WAITING for someone to help them rebuild. They really need the help, and are willing to pay for it too. And even if you have other skills (which I'm sure you do), there are lots of companies willing to pay to get you down there to work for them- and they will help you with housing. These would be ideas for you, especially if the job market in the area you are now living in hasn't panned out.
Have you tried www.craigslist.com? link:
http://houston.craigslist.org/about/cities.htmlgo there, and pick your city. There are a lot of liberal companies that post jobs of all sorts there. Try your hometown, and then also try the New Orleans area.
Please keep posting here, we're all familiar with the frustration that the jobsearch brings, and are happy to hear you vent.... :hi: