Work is work - or why job application forms and CVs are bullsh!t

[macto]

If integrity is a sign of immaturity, then I shall remain immature.

That said, you will have to make comprimises if you want to maintain your integrity.  You will have to save up for those rainy days, because they will hit you harder.  You may have to settle for contract work or the so called 'survival' jobs.  Working for yourself may even be viable, if you have the ability to attract clients.  And attracting clients, not building a fancy laboratory, is the issue.  (You can secure loans, deal with an inadequately equipment to start out, or work a bit outside of your field.)

I'm guessing that your history is more of an issue.  You probably don't have many contacts inside of your industry, and it seems like that is the only reliable way to find a job.  The lack of prior work experience may also be an issue (I was working for my university from the first summer onwards, and even that seems inadequate).

[macto]

There are a lot of people with integrity.  The fact that none of them are attracted to this thread (or to politics) should not dissuade you. ;-)

When you are applying for work, there are three types of resumes: honest ones, ones where the applicant over represents themself, and ones where applicants lie.  Honest ones don't attract attention, but they will get the odd nibble.  Outright lies will probably be detected in the interview and will probably get you fired if anyone finds out.  Over representing yourself seems to be the middle ground which everyone is satisfied with.  The 'probably's in the outright lies sentences turn into meer possibilities, so it is somehow okay.  I don't think it is okay, but I'm clearly in the minority.  Then again, my resume may be impressive enough that there is enough nibbling for me to get a job (though I don't see why it would be all that impressive).

I think the problem is in the application process: you are not going to get far if you pull a listing off a job board and submit a resume.  At least I have found the miss rate too high.  I have had far more success asking people directly, or having someone ask for me.

[macto]

There's no way I would work in a call centre or shop/bar. [...] Talk to people constantly? Not for me.

I worked in a call centre for several months.  I had a physics degree, another chap had a math degree, another chap was also doing web design for a local university (he needed the money to support a budding family).  I was working with people.  The people we called were almost always disrespectful.  They were not people.

I agree with all these apart from b. The experience will make me look less like a total layabout, but it's not relevant to my field and will hardly make me look great compared to other graduates.

I never put the call center on my CV.  There was no need to because I was employed every calendar year.  On the other hand, you mentioned that you haven't held a job.  You may need to put down any job experience to show that you are employable.

There is nothing wrong with looking for work outside of your field.  I only agreed with you about misrepresenting yourself on a job application.