Hi Pinky,
I am responding to your post because I have been in your position and know what it feels like, and feel that although i don't have a quick-fix solution for you, perhaps my experiences will motivate you to find your own solutions.
As far as H1-Bs go, you know that if you really want to get an H1B and then follow that up with permenant residency in this country, you really have to do whatever the employer tells you to do. I know it kind of sucks as you are limited in your options and sometimes given the most mundane projects that will do nothing to enhance your marketable skills. I had to learn a proprietary language as a programmer analyst that no one else in their rights minds wanted to do, just so I could make my employer satisfied enough to sponser my H1. And I did that for 5 years so that they would then sponser my green card. Did I grow professionally? Not much. But did I get what I wanted? Yes. So sometimes you have to figure out what your priorities are, and make a plan and stick it out. I hope I don't sound too negative.
Also, I'm not sure what the regulations are right now, but I don't think you can start earning money by being self employed right now. So maybe like someone else said, if you want to grow professionally, why don't you volunteer your technical skills at nonprofits? You can also get some books on interviewing and master your interviewing techniques. Anticipate what you will be asked and practice answering questions with friends. Build up your concidence and make eye contact at interviews. Practice in front of a mirror so you can correct your body language. That way, when you finally are a permanent resident, you can use those skills and your network to lauch your own company, or if that's not your thing, then get a better job. Right now, you are limited in your earning potential, but not limited in enhancing your skills and increasing your network of contacts which will help you at a later time.
Good luck and stay focused.
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