Definitely harder. I worked some 8 years at a contract worker before getting brought on board full time where I am no. (Most of these contract jobs were extended periods...6 months to 2 years, and several times I had supervisors who wanted to bring me on-board, but didn't have the final say.) I finally got my current job because 3 supervisors who wanted me hired when my contract time was almost up. (They have a limit of 1 year for temp workers which can be expanded 6 more months...after that they either have to let you go or hire you.) I am certainly well-qualified.
As I understand, a lot of the problem is insurance rates. A company that has an older workforce, pays higher premiums. Then you start to realize why older workers with more experience are targeted for early retirement. Otherwise it makes no sense to hire fresh-outs (college graduates) with almost no experience when you've got experienced workers looking for work who you won't have to hand-hold. But after you get in your 40s, unless you're moving up the management ladder, it gets harder to find full-time, permanent work with benefits.
That being said, if someone tried to get me to wear some damn red came and pose with a cartoon character at the employment office, I probably would have lost it.
You want to know why people want to slash government spending to the bone--there's an example!