no-more-claims-i-beg's journey

I was laid off from my senior insurance role earlier this year, shortly after returning from paternity leave. I had been working in commercial insurance for about seven years, primarily handling commercial liability claims, including product liability and specialty entertainment claims. I was making around $82K with bonuses and benefits when I lost my job. Now, I'm stuck in a contract billing position that pays $29 an hour, with no benefits or PTO, and it's a highly monitored call center environment. I'm really unhappy, but I can't afford to quit since my wife is staying home with our first child. I've submitted hundreds of applications through various channels, including LinkedIn and recruiters, and I've had a few interviews, even making it to final rounds, but no offers have come through. Most applications just get rejected or ignored. I've been applying to positions in claims, underwriting support, brokerage client services, and insurance operations, but I'm starting to feel like I'm missing something crucial in my job search. I'm located in the Midwest and ideally looking for a salary of $70K or more with benefits, but I would consider positions in the $60K–$65K range if they offer a permanent role and a better work environment. I'm open to returning to claims, learning something new, or even changing industries altogether. At this point, I'm questioning my employability and would appreciate any feedback or suggestions on how to improve my chances of landing a job.