"Strategizing" unemployment

[cilla4progress]

So, does it hurt me if I take a job several notches back down the professional ladder, in terms of future benefits? Am I wiser to hold out for my more specialized position, and just keep receiving benefits until they expire? There is no hope in my community of a position opening up for me that is commensurate with my experience, education, and recent salaries.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

1. My experience is...

...take what comes, if something better presents, compare the two and do what serves you best. Continue to or begin searching whenever your current employer fails to meet you personal needs.

Positions of less than 6 months are best left off resumes and that time is easily attributed to a gap in employment.

It may be time to consider relocating or working as a consultant possibly non-local. I've been mostly consulting for more than 25 years. It's not bad.