Take a break or not ?

Hey,

1. You lose lot of leverage with recruters while negotiating after break as someone already mentioned. If it's mentally affecting you yeah go ahead.
2. Think Long-term is job and preparing for something in your case ( interview prep ) something that can not be done parallely? I feel one can adjust schedule to accommodate some time for learning , family and for self care
3. Personally I am not a big fan of paid courses. But leverage your money to get a good structured course for whatever you are planning for

Taking a break is fine. Just keep in mind the fact that you do not know / you will not be in control of how long of a break it might end up being. Accordingly plan all aspects of life and career which could be impacted by it before you jump in.

Most of the points have been covered but also consider that you will lose leverage over the recruiter to demand a market/above market standard pay hike

Things to consider

1. Money for your break
2. Market condition
3. Your skills and leverage you have in market
   If above 3 checks your boxes go ahead and take a break
   At the end its your call