Should I take a temporary role or hold out for my field?

[Confusedjobseeker]

Help! I got made redundant a few months ago. My job was fairly niche and there hasn't been much to apply for so I applied for something not really in my field. It's slightly more junior but does pay well. To my surprise I was offered it this week.

Now I am having second thoughts. This job is only temporary (5 months) so I keep thinking I will be giving up the chance to find something in my area and more interesting plus maybe longer contract for something that's only temp and isn't necessarily something I want to do. I actually saw a role I am really interested in and that suits my experience much better advertised on Friday. However it actually pays less than the role I have accepted (I think it's a bit underpaid although it would be a good fit)

So should I -

Do the job I have accepted and continue to apply to other roles?
Just focus on the job I have accepted and stop looking at other roles for now?
Turn down this job and hope I get a job more in my field such as the one I have just seen advertised?

Agh! I am so confused!

I’d take it. I’m not sure how it is in your field but the job market is awful at the moment.

I was made redundant in July and was relieved to get a 1 year contract starting next week. A fixed term contract doesn’t mean you can’t still leave if something else comes up. Plus it helps to reduce any gap in your CV.

Take the job, and keep looking for others at the same time.

I know, my head says take it. But I am worried about what happens if I got offered a dream job in the first week of working there. I would feel really bad about leaving and letting them down!

Obviously take it and keep applying, I don’t see why this is confusing. Job market is awful at the moment you could still be looking in 5 months

And if you get offered a better job you say I’m so sorry I’ve been offered a better opportunity. They’d probably go back to the next in line from the interviews and offer it to them. Not your problem

I agree with others, take it and look for other jobs. It’ll get you through Christmas. And I’m sure it’s easier to find a job while you’re working, as it says a lot about your work ethic.

Take the job! It will make you more attractive for any dream jobs that do get advertised,..

Thank you all, unanimous responses, it's been helpful to hear!