This column is part of Globe Careers' Leadership Lab series, where executives and experts share their views and advice about leadership and management. Follow us at @Globe_Careers. Find all Leadership Lab stories at tgam.ca/leadershiplab.

It happens all the time. You are unemployed. It has been a while. You want to get back in the game but what you want, both in job responsibility and pay, is not what you had before. You are facing the reality of getting back into the workforce with a significant pay cut. Or, you can stick it out until the economy improves. When is the right time to start looking for, and accepting, less than what you want?

There is no right answer to this common dilemma many unemployed, job seekers face. The idea of going back to either the same job, with less money, or worse, less responsibility, is something few people ever think they will be struggling with. As we move through our careers, we expect to either maintain, or move up in pay. Moving down is seemingly not an option. For many, however, it can be the only option.

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If you are caught in this confusing circle of job offers with lower pay for the same work you left, some serious soul searching, or research, may need to happen. Are you less employable after being out of work for a while? What is realistic, and when do you just swallow your pride and take the lower paying job? Or, is it worth it to simply hold on?

Lengthy unemployment

There is little truth to the saying, "The longer you are out of work, the harder it is to find a job." Realistically, it takes time to find a good job. Because job loss is common, employers are all too familiar with people having employment gaps on their resume. What matters, however, is how you explain the gap. Simply saying you were laid off, or let go or whatever is not going to cut it. Add context. If you took some time to travel, or had to take care of personal matters – tell the employer that if they ask. Most importantly, if you have been on the job search, finding the right role, and it is taking time – say it. No one expects a candidate to take whatever comes along.

Assess if what you are asking for is realistic

You may think you are worth one thing, but the market says another thing. The market is based primarily on supply and demand. If your role is in demand, and there is limited supply, you are in a good position to bargain for what you want. Today, however, you may find the opposite is true. There are fewer jobs, and lots of people vying for them. Make sure you know what people are being paid for the work that you do. Research is paramount. Ask people you trust what you can reasonably expect these days. Make sure it's a fair comparison between experience and industry. There are times where, due to a strong economy, certain roles were in high demand and, due to a labour shortage, employers were able to pay above market, offer more time off, and elaborate additional benefits. As the economy shifts, the supply can outweigh the demand, and the compensation package today may look different than it did a few years ago.

The Emotional Factor

Sometimes we need to take a "survival job" for a number of reasons. It may not be exactly what you want, but it will get you back in the workforce so you can get some bills paid. The job may also benefit emotionally, as constant unemployment can weigh heavily on self-esteem. Poor self-esteem will almost always be apparent in job interviews. Despite the job not being quite what you want, it may bring motivation and drive back, and you can continue to be on the job hunt while having a survival job.

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Eileen Dooley is vice-president, Gilker McRae, Calgary, specializing in career management and transition.