Yeah, geographical mobility is the dark side of this scheme. For theater people, for example, even crossing over from Chicago to New York is extremely difficult

Yeah, geographical mobility is the dark side of this scheme. For theater people, for example, even crossing over from Chicago to New York is extremely difficult. And it doesn't matter how much goodwill you've built in Omaha, that won't get you hired in Chicago unless one of your Omaha friends goes first. It's really important to go to school and start your career in the place you want to end it, because in a new city, if you can find work, you're probably going back to entry level for a while. Even worse in seniority-based union hiring halls. This is partly why the Bay Area is what it is for software. I'm sorry you experienced this. It sucks. I wish you luck getting back on your feet in Australia.