Define small amount. Are we talking $5000 or $50000 ? "Note: after 6 months I'd likely be consulting." I'd try to accomplish a life / financial goal. If I was

Define small amount. Are we talking $5000 or $50000 ? "Note: after 6 months I'd likely be consulting." I'd try to accomplish a life / financial goal. If I was a renter and wanted to buy a house, I'd use the money down on a mortgage. If I had a house and wanted a bigger / nicer house - same. Both - contingent of finding a job or starting that consulting gig ASAP. If I was into really nice cars (100k+ cars - Porsche, Ferrari, etc...) - I'd consider putting the money down on that. If I was into traveling - maybe a tour of Europe or something. In other words, something that would be financially difficult to accomplish under normal circumstances. If you really need a break, take it - but if your willing to jump back into work now - take the money and do something that you've wanted to do but would take significant financial effort to do otherwise.