Seeking Advice: Considering Low-Paying IT Jobs while job hunting - What's Your Take?

Hello, fellow Redditors,

I'm facing a bit of a career crossroads and could really use some perspective from this amazing community. Here's the scoop: I've been an Jr and Sr IT Support Engineer for the past 10 years, but life threw me a curveball when I got laid off back in June. It's safe to say that the job market hasn't exactly been a walk in the park since then.

Lately, I've been contemplating whether it makes sense to apply and interview for some lower-paying IT positions (full time or contract that pays 1/2 or 2/3 of what I used to make) while I continue my search for a job that aligns with my salary expectations. Bills are piling up, confidence is hitting the bottom, and the longer I stay out of the game, the rustier my skills become.

So, here's my question to you all: Have any of you been in a similar situation?Have you considered taking on lower-paying IT jobs temporarily during a tough job market? If so, how did it impact your job search for a role with a more satisfactory salary?

With a decade of experience under my belt, I want to make sure I'm making the right move to stay afloat financially without compromising my long-term career goals. I'd be incredibly grateful for any advice, experiences, or insights you can share.Thank you in advance for being an awesome and supportive community!