Well, after over 2 years of applying for the few IT jobs available in the area and continuing to work on my certifications I finally got a job! The position is actually "Computer Tech" and I'll be working nights for one of the largest hosptials in the area. The job consists of supporting the hosptial employees computer needs, software/hardware upgrades, prevenative maintenance, backups, ect. I'll be the 14th person in the IT department, but the only one during the night hours (11PM - 7AM).
I applied for the job over a month ago and gave up on them ever calling. I got a call just yesterday for an interview today and they called me back in less than 3 hours after the interview and told me they wanted me to start ASAP! Pay for this area is above average ($5 more per hour than my current sales job, which is better than average pay it's self) and I have to be on call 1 weekend per month for which I get paid $1.50 per hour for carrying a pager and time and a half for getting called in.
I gave my 2 weeks notice and I start August 4th. So my message to all of you still studying and waiting for an IT job on any level - don't give up your time will come.. probably when you least expect it. But it will come.