rogue49

I hate to tell you this cheerios,
but maybe you SHOULD get up to date on Windows.
I know you don't work on Windows, and you probably don't like it.
But it's where a SIGNIFICANT part of the market is.
Principles only go so far, when you are looking for a paycheck & experience.
Get as much under your belt as you can.
Be willing to attempt ANYTHING, even if you only know the basics.

Considering the quality you put out here, anything that you do will be better than the shit most idiots put out.
Remember you probably know more than they do, almost always.
All HR & management knows is "names" for the most part.
And most techs are lazy shits with no followthrough, you have probably experienced them on the other end.

ANY experience in the computer field you are going into is a leg up.
And you can probably do off-hour, or even peak-time
part-time work at those tech-centers you are talking about.
People are sick, and take vacations all the time.
And companies would rather fill in with part-time labor than full-time with benefits.

You might have to kick it up a notch, but the rewards will be helpful,
extra cash, experience, resume filler & more.

Everything counts, don't dismiss anything.
Focus on your goal.