Should I take the lower paid Job temporarily or will it screw up future prospects

[VISITOR1800]

I have worked in the education sector for a number of years and had an okay wage. I went for a new job with great prospects but have been let down by previous employer. They ignored a ref request, I've had glowing ones all my life and left the previous company amicably (they shared some very private information outside which made me very uncomfortable) the manager diddnt like it when I called her out on it. I have missed my chance now as they needed 5 and this was the only one that diddnt send it back so I'm gutted.

The Job market is tricky at the moment, I have an opportunity to try a self employed Job as a cleaner part time but pay is low. I'm looking for any tips as I'm nervous for a trial on Monday but also would this look bad on my cv later on as its completely different to anything else I've done? 😅

Any job is better than no Job right? Perhaps it will lead to a total career change...help please.

It sounds so different to your current role I think ok. You are doing what is needed to keep going!
As for the references hope you have sorted out one that didn't write one or an alternative. Five references a lot!

i think a cleaner is perfectly fine
it will help make ends meet
wont need to be part of your cv

By taking the role you are showing flexibility, the ability to problem solve and resilience. You need to pay the bills and are finding the best way you can to do this. I do a lot of recruiting and wouldn't see this as a negative. Good luck x

You don't need to put it on your cv surely? You can say 'casual work during a period of job hunting ' or something similarly fudgey to fill the gap?