[Ghost Econ]

So as I've posted in the random thread, I was essentially demoted so the manager's friend could have my job. I hate what I'm doing right now and I'm having work piled on me. I had 27 new claims come in the last 3 days and I literally don't have time to do them and the work I already have. I'm pulling 50+ hours each week. I'll literally be working from about 6 am this morning to about 8 tonight, with a few breaks, like now, to decompress.

I've been searching and had to turn down 3 jobs because the pay ended up not being nearly enough. I just got another offer and the pay is the same as my current job, but it's contract through an agency for 6-12 months. Chances of full hire are slim to none. Pay is the same as my current job, but without a 401k (all other benefits under my wife's job). I only put in 3% currently due to a company match, but it won't vest for about 3 more years and I know I can't take it if I somehow survived that long.

The offer is 40 hours guaranteed at least 6 months, no more no less. Obviously no vacation days. It's tangential to what I would ideally like to do, but the field is competitive so I'm not sure if have a future in that position. My current field has potential for advancement if I got a job somewhere else, but companies so far have treated me as too senior for entry level but too entry level for senior positions. But again, I don't really like what I'm doing, but I'm sure some of that is soured by where I am.

I'm at an age right now where a 401k is pretty important, and I could always do a Roth, but it's tough to determine if the few thousand dollars I'd lose (holidays, post-tax IRA) are worth the likely mental health benefits I'd gain from not being as stressed from work. Plus at best the job hunt is paused or slowed for a few months.

What say you, just looking for some thoughts from people who have had similar decisions.