Personally, I feel that anyone that can't deal with a resume "blank spot" isn't really serious about finding an actual person: blank spots happen, it's just that some people stay in a job they hate, so that both the job and person suffer, rather than taking a step back.

I'd explore why doing something you're interested in, that helps you get on a path you're interested in, is a "shot to your pride" rather than what it is: an opportunity that you'd actually enjoy, and would help you down a path you say you're interested in.