I quit my former employer earlier this year (largely due to management). They tried retaining me, however I simply think the company was a poor fit for the rema

I quit my former employer earlier this year (largely due to management). They tried retaining me, however I simply think the company was a poor fit for the remainder of my career. I had worked there almost 10 years out of college. Afterwards, I spent a month seeing members of my family. Unfortunately, while I was away on my travels, my car happened to be damaged. Had to spend several days fixing that amongst other things. Then I just spent about another month of just relaxing, before even looking for a new job. From there I took about 3 months of 8 hour days looking for, applying and interviewing for jobs in two metros I wanted to live in. I think I had applied to ~80 jobs, had ~20 interviews, and received 3 job offers. Accepted an offer in late June, approximately 5 months after leaving my last employer. Was it worth it? Yes in some aspects. I now make 25% more, have an easier work-life balance, and was able to resolve some things I was putting off for years. The process wasn't easy though, and even though I make more now, it'll take ~18 months for me to recoup the money I missed from being unemployed for 5 months. I also learned a lot I otherwise wouldn't have. Only downside I'd say, is that I feel this may just be a temporary stepping stone in my career...