Dear J.T. & Dale: I was fired for reasons I felt were inappropriate. I applied for unemployment, my former employer objected, I appealed, and won the appeal. I am suing for inappropriate dismissal (breach of contract). I also am applying for new jobs. Should I even apply for a position out of town until the lawsuit is over? — Kim

J.T.: I’m sorry to hear about your situation. I hope it isn’t taking too much of a toll on you psychologically, because a lawsuit can be quite draining.

Dale: And to let it limit your job search will only make it more so. I don’t know anything about your suit, but, odds are, it’s a long shot. Maybe you’re the exception, but these things typically drag on for years and your willingness to pay attorneys (or their willingness to work against the eventual payout) might dim. So I’d urge you to think of it as, say, investing in a friend’s start-up business or writing a novel — sure, something wonderful might be coming to you, but don’t let it slow you down, waiting.

J.T.: Agreed. Waiting around for the lawsuit to finish means all your energy will be focused on a negative experience. The sooner you get back to doing what you love, the better off you’ll be.