told by recruitment places - I am either too qualified, or too uniquely experienced that it will be hard to find a job for me

I doesn't quite feel right to do it, but you may have to "Dumb Down" your resume so you don't appear over qualified for the positions.
It means you need to have a couple of different resumes depending on the positions you apply for.
If you are using recruitment agents, you need to get a good one who will send the right resume to prospective employers.

I've had to swallow my pride and take a position I was over qualified for because I just needed a job/money.