I can see this is a big dilemma for you and you seem to understand that both options have longer term appeal in terms of future career and stability. Zacmaster's suggestion of putting a portfolio of work together is a sensible one but if you take year out without a salary you run a serious risk of falling even further behind in raising enough money to climb onto the housing ladder. Could you opt for having your cake and eating it by putting the portfolio together, approaching other possible employers (or trying to build up a part-time freelance designer business) and signing up for an evening class in some kind of business management option which will help you gain some of these skills without getting off the employment ladder?
Also, is there any professional organisation for graphics designers you could join where some networking skills might help you make some new contacts?