Decisions about job search [View all]

A week ago, I left my job. Although I had been thinking about leaving for a while, I was forced into making a decision. I am not eligible for unemployment though, at least without legal action that I am unwilling to do. I need to find something in the next couple of months maximum, preferably before.
Since graduating from college, most of my experience has been in the food manufacturing industry. There are a few other companies in the area, but most of them are relatively small. While there may be few other qualified area candidates applying to these jobs, it also means that there are few jobs, let alone openings. I am facing the issue of how far I am willing to commute or if I am willing to relocate (I have been contacted by a recruiter, but could also apply for jobs within a few hours drive.) I also am considering getting any job to get me by, but this would probably mean very low wages and may interfere with my career related job search.
If you have been in this situation, what did you do and how did you come to that decision?