Hard times, mate. Think "sub-prime mortgage and the crumbling of the world economy"....there is a glut of very well educated professionals in the market today. The middle east, where getting a well-paid job was once just so easy, is now a nightmare. I know of people waiting for months and years just to get into a mediocre position.

Manufacturing and logistics are picking pace state-side. you may get lucky again back home. if ur looking for more time in a tax-free zone to pay off that mortgage, try abu-dhabi, dubai (yes...Dubai is still a good bet), kuwait, or saudi. pm me your email and I'll keep a look out for you.

Tell you what, head to the USAF base and get your CV through.