Sorry to hear about your loss of steady income, but not about your loss of aggravation! Face it, while a steady income is quite handy, you DID hate the place. I was in the same boat about 5 years ago., but with only 1 year IT experience. I took a temporary step back, but only a year after leaving hell, I was making more money doing better work for nicer people. To this day I thank the gods above that I "didn't fit in" at the hell job.

While searching for real employment, check out the temporary shops (RHI, Manpower, etc.) It's an income, and the pay can be pretty nice while the job lasts. Who knows, it could also turn into a permanent position. Lots of companies are using temp shops as a "try before you buy" HR process.

Good luck and hang in there.

Brian Bronson