Why is finding another job so impossible?

It depends where you are, I landed my job through family after months of searching - if it's a completely new line of work for you sorry to say but employers do see it as you being a fresh face. The only positives you offer in their view is the reports from your previous work, for example your time keeping

there are limited jobs available and there are many experienced people seeking those jobs. the government jobs data does 'drop' those people who were unsuccessful to get a job after a long period of time, so the jobs data can be misleading

Bad economy and poor job market.

I feel you. It's most likely not you that's the problem. They get thousands of other applicants, unfortunately :(. It's no doubt luck, after the first five they like they probably don't even consider the rest.