New Job Offer Pays Less ?

I recently got laid off due to corporate downsizing and now all the new positions i'm interviewing for pay a lot less than my old company. i don't want to accept a lower offer because i'm afraid it might send out the wrong message about me to the new employer and i don't want to start a new job on that note. what can i do about this? And even if i'm ready to accept an offer that is a bit lower than the old company, how can i do this without compromising myself.