continue on your PH.D

degree. You can hunt for jobs while you are in school. Personally I think that's the best way to remain legal status when the OPT is expired.

First, if you continue on your PH.D., you should receive scholarship and/or get a RA/TA position in school. That solves your financial problems.

Second, more importantly, it helps you to remain legal status to stay in US. You don't have to take a lot courses so you can have some time to look for jobs while still do a nice job in school. It gives you at least 4 -- 5 years to look for jobs. Once you get a stasfied offer, you can decide if you want to discontinue your program or not.

Third, if, unfortunately, you still don't find a job in the next 4-5 years, at least you get your PH.D. Nothing to loss, right?

Those are the reasons why I think continue on your PH.D. is the best way for you to remain your legal status. Of course, take another master degree is another alternateive. It will give you another 2 years to hunt for jobs. If that's a better choice for you, maybe take a master degree that is a little different than what you have right now.

Wish you the best in job hunting!