Robot,
All I can offer is sympathy plus a little bit of encouragement and advice.
Been there myself but as some of the answers above explain you'll only make your own opportunities.
It's hard, particularly if like most of us you don't have the family connections but you have to stick at it. Have you considered joining the IPA? You could also make new friends through PPRuNe. Coming to the GatBash would be a good idea too (as long as you don't spend the night pestering people). I made more contacts at the last bash than I had in the previous three or four months. Got absolutely blotto and had a great night too!
Just don't give up.