I took a break last year of 3 months. I had a 3 months notice period as well. During my notice period, I started interviewing, but couldn't crack them. Then I read Steve Job's biography and he had taken a break, etc. I felt motivated to take a break too. My initial plan was of 6 months. But I felt much better in 3 months itself. So I started looking and was fortunate enough to get a job in 2 weeks with a pretty good hike, at a company with a great culture. Never worked in a company so employee friendly in 7 YOE. So it all worked out.
In those 3 months of break, at one time, I was wondering if anyone would hire me again. But then I opened my documents, Excel sheets, etc. I realised I did do some good work in the past and have acquired some valuable skills. I think it is important to remember that, whenever someone takes a break.
Another thing is, getting a job, is very much like making a new best friend. On the day before the day you meet them, you'd have never guess who you're gonna meet the next day. Getting that recruiter call is also somewhat like that. It will happen when it will happen. Important to be patient.
Society has conditioned to think that we must get salary each month, or we're doing something wrong. It feels very, very wrong. But on close scrutiny, this feeling can go away. There's no need to get salary each month, if your bank balance + financial investments + assets like vehicles, etc can cover you for a year of expenses.
