I was laid off just over a month ago due to a restructuring by a new private equity-backed ownership group that favors AI replacing roles. Throughout my four years as a director in a specialized industry, I received no negative or neutral feedback, so this sudden change has been quite a shock. Since the layoff, I've struggled to land interviews for comparable jobs, which is frustrating. I'm at a crossroads regarding relocating for a new job versus potentially accepting a career demotion. I own my home and don't need immediate financial relief, but the job market in my area is limited. There are only about a dozen companies within commuting distance that would offer similar roles, with just 1-4 openings per company. I'm worried that I might have to sell my house and move just to find a remotely comparable position. Additionally, I'm concerned about how companies perceive my experience level. I've applied for jobs that require minimal experience, and I fear that my six-plus years in the industry might make me seem overqualified or desperate. For instance, I applied for a role that would offer a $10k raise, but the previous employee was fresh out of college, and I worry that the hiring manager might view my application unfavorably due to the experience gap. It's a tough situation, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to navigate my next steps.