Hang in there. Expand your search beyond just applying online. Concentrate on professional networking to find people who work inside your targeted companies. Reach out to peers and people with the capacity to hire you. Start by building relationship first. Like/comment on the person's posts in industry groups. Build relationships first before sending a connection request. People are usually happy to help job seekers who have taken the time to get to know the other person.

I would agree with a lot of what has already been said. First, I would consider your situation. If it's getting to the point where you're desperate to make money for you and/or your family no matter what it takes then, yes, you may have to take what you can get and abandon those four drivers you mentioned - temporarily. If that isn't your situation, then you probably don't have to "take anything." The reality is that the job market is a tough one right now as it's more in the employer's favor. So, to increase your chances of getting back out there and having some purpose outside of your home/family life it could be wise to widen the net, expand your horizons. This doesn't mean plummeting your standards or degrading your worth. It may mean being open to compromise, accepting a few less checked boxes on your list, taking a pay cut, or taking a risk on a company you've disregarded before. Perhaps it's an opportunity to shift your perspective on what you want. Or perhaps it's just something to bide your time and pay your bills until things normalize and you can find your ideal job.

It really depends on your situation...would the "take anything" opportunity provide you with experience and/or joy while you still look for your dream job? Can you wait financially until the first part of 2021 where some reports are saying that there will be much more opportunity? Make sure to say true to YOU!

There’s nothing wrong with the “take anything” mindset especially in the current climate and considering you’ve been unemployed the better part of the year. That said I’m sure you wouldn’t take “anything” - so I’d suggest figuring out what those boundaries are of what you’re willing to accept and go from there. If you don’t like where you end up you can always keep searching but it’s always easier to job search when you already have one!

I would not go so far as to "take anything," but being open to new areas and companies may bring a wonderful stretch opportunity or discovery of a company that is not what you would have expected (in a good way!) The key is to start out open to possibilities but have the confidence in the interview process to do your due diligence in asking questions about culture, growth, purpose, etc. Many companies may not have a track record, but in their efforts to modernize, and quite frankly, become relevant and appealing to tomorrow's customers, they are starting or expanding initiatives around sustainability, giving, diversity etc. It is exciting to see the change, and so you may be surprised at the new runway they have created! Their shift or new approach may not even be public news yet, so keep an open door and an open mind. If not, you still have the experience practicing your own interviewing skills. Just as they can decline you in favor of another applicant, you can also say no if the fit turns out not to be what you are looking for. There is a power in that. You are not desperate just because you are keeping your options open and casting a wide net. You are a curious, adventurous professional who is looking to grow!

Taking ANY job is still a job. We do have to readjust sometimes, due to the current climate and sometimes lack of ideal opportunities. Nothing is ever a waste of time. You always learn from every experience. Good for you!

I do not believe in the take anything mentality. You put yourself through a lot of turmoil that way. However, thinking outside the box is a cool thing to pursue. My example. I lost my corporate job due to restructuring and then COVID hit. So all of the nicely held plans I had needed to have a regroup. So...I did a few contracts with some very cool organizations I ordinarily would have said no to, unloaded trucks because I needed exercise and it was awesome to have forced exercise while being paid. Those out of the box jobs have given me a year of peace and happiness I have treasured! Would I have looked at this like this last year same time....most likely not....Do I see the world in a brand new way now - yes!

I disagree with your male colleague and wholeheartedly believe if you stay the course you have placed for yourself (which is a damn good one, I must add) you will be just fine...actually BETTER than just fine :)

Depends. How bad do you need money? What is the difference (for you) between the stress of not having a job (having idle hands/no income) or being in a job that makes you want to throw up everyday. I had no choice and many others don’t either. In which case, this was my strategy. If I have to do a job I hate, which one can I actually land and which one allows me to make the most money possible in the least amount of hours. The fact that these are the parameters in our world right now is profoundly sad. (In my case, it’s complicated by the fact that I’m nearly 60.) However, I am a survivor and always have been and I try not to ever be a burden on anybody else. So .... off to work I go.

There is a vast area between "take anything" and going outside your normal circles. Push your boundaries, look at jobs you wouldn't have looked at before. Just remember to make sure you can relate your experience to the position, stretching on this point is fine. Also don't be afraid to stretch up, if you can match 60% of the qualifications for a job easily, apply, just make sure you aren't missing a key qualification that can't be picked up easily.