First off, you say you worked for The State... has your unemployment ran out?Long story short lost my job a few months ago. It was a product analyst job for the state. Been landing interviews but not the job. I get that some money is better than none. But I also believe in taking jobs that's going to help Elevate you. That you can put on your resume. If I sit here and get a job at Walmart or Target then I'm going to get pigeonholed and the only jobs that's going to look at me are retail or warehouse jobs. Plus I need a good paying job just to afford all my bills.
I was just like you some years back-- not off any credentials, but what I achieved. Once the benefits ran out I took the first job that said "You're hired"-- and they understood its only temporary, until I could get to where I am now.
Don't overanalyze this. Your situation is NOT unique for Recruiters and Management before anyone else, and they'll appreciate the honesty. Too many b*stards onboard, string them along, and dip without notice (or DO something for immediate termination) for them to not respect it.