Here's one suggestion: Start writing your resume for your impending "dream job" now.
First, pull up a few job descriptions on the web and see what type of experience and skills the job requires. Next, bang off a bullet on each item you can address with your current skills/experience. Finally, for each skill/experience you don't have, write a "to do" list and set to work filling in the gaps.
For example, if you currently are a store clerk and you want to work at a bank, you can pretty much knock off cash handling, sales, etc. But say the job requires you to be proficient in Excel and to have knowledge of banking regulations. You can begin by self-teaching on Excel and then apply the skill as a volunteer at church. Additionally, you can sign up for a banking class at a local college. Needless to say, if you're wanting to work in banking you've gotta have fairly decent credit and be able to be bonded, so you need to keep your nose clean or clear up discrepancies well in advance of applying for the job. (Well, you get the picture.)
Banging out a decent resume for a future dream job is more a matter of "Ready, Aim, Fire" as opposed to the "Ready, Fire, Aim" process that is pretty prevalent today.
PS: If you think writing a resume is a b*tch...just be glad you're on the receiving end of a stack of 'em. :roll:
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Never lose hope, Mangy. 
