Which job option is better for career progression before another baby?

[Drivenbydata]

I am currently out of work after Mat leave due to a change in situation and interviewing for jobs. I want to have another baby within the next 2 years.

From a career perspective does it look better for future employers to:

Option 1: Take a full-time job outside my preferred sector, return from maternity leave with no career gap, but apply for my ideal roles from a less relevant position.

Option 2: Take a six-month role in my preferred sector with no guarantee of extension, take unpaid maternity leave, then apply for jobs after a career break but with more recent, relevant experience.

Just considering career progression here not finances.

Would really welcome any advice from someone who looks at cvs for a living and hires people as to what would make me more competitive.

Thanks!

I think that this will be very sector dependent. Some industries are very dynamic and recent experience is paramount, others not so much. So hard to give input on this level of detail.
Are both jobs being offered to you?

If someone is career orientated, I would be interested to know more about why they did not return to their previous role after maternity leave. When did your maternity leave end?

Option 2 is more risky, can you afford it financially?
Can option 1 eventually lead you to you dream job, even if it's longer term, or does it closes doors?