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There are several issues here.
First, don't ever downgrade your self-worth because of this experience. I have had similar experiences, and I know many others who tell a story like yours.
It helps to understand the situation. Managers are under a lot of pressure to cut costs. Even if some manager wanted to hire you, his or her boss might look negatively on that manager for "going over budget".
Your health history is also a factor. Even though I had no major health issues, once I reached 55, I soon learned that the companies didn't care to hire me because of the cost of health insurance.
Another factor I can see that is NOT in your favor: You are TOO good. Years ago, I applied for a job as an electronics technician. I connected well with the boss and I thought getting this job should be a cinch. Then the boss had me take an electronics test. I got one hundred percent correct. However, my good feelings were soon shattered. In short, the boss put it this way. "You did very well on this test. You got the best score of anyone who ever took this test. You even got a better score THAN I GOT." End of interview.
Bosses don't like to hire people who are more talented than they perceive themselves to be. Their boss might decide to replace them.
Where am I going with this? First, you are overselling yourself. In these times, managers aren't looking for a star. They want someone who is competent and who won't bust their budget.
You will be received more favorably if you can get across that you are willing to pay for your own health insurance. If they let you buy into their group insurance, you can save some money that way. Some insurance companies will raise the rates for the entire group, if a certain number of employees have health issues. This may be a factor in your case. However, don't bring this up unless they are interested in hiring you, and let them bring benefits up first.
You should not limit yourself to universities in your job search. Hospitals do fund raising and nonprofits as well. Create a resume that shows competency, without appearing to be a "star". That way, you will show more "realistic" salary requirements.
One way I found employment was through temporary employment agencies. This got around the issue of health insurance for the hirirng company. However, a word of warning. Research the agencies very carefully. Understand, that they work for the employers who pay their bills, not you. Some I worked for were very good, and some really ripped me off royally. You have to know the going rate for the work you do. Otherwise, they will charge a lot for your services and pay you peanuts for the work that you do.
Working through a temp agency can lead to job offers. If the hiring organization likes your work, they may offer to buy your contract, that is, pay an agency fee to take you on as a regular employee. Since the employment agency charges the client much more than they pay you, careful negotiation can get you a higher salary than the agency pays you. The catch is if the agency will charge the client a "reasonable" amount to buy your contract. Agencies have you sign an agreement not to work for the client for, usually, one year after your job with them ends (read anything you sign with the agency very carefully before you sign) unless the client pays a hiring fee. (Be very leery of any company that underwrites its own employees' health insurance.)
I recommend writing a new resume and "rehearsing" a new interview scenario based on what I have written here and trying them out on your own first. Pay attention to the feedback that you get.
One more point. In another post, I think you mentioned posting references online. Never give out a reference to anyone unless you have had an interview with them, you are interested in working for them, and they ask for references. Some managers will routinely call references (or have a secretary do it) to weed out applicants even before an interview. If your references are bothered in this way, they will refuse to take calls about you. Don't provide references until AFTER an interview, so that you don't antagonize them with frivolous calls.
If I mistook what you said, this is still good advice.
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