Between Jobs
There is no such thing as a "between jobs" phase, goes the old thinking. As you decide to quit, you simply look for a new one, while still working in your old job. You send out applications at the end of a long work day in order to make sure not to have this dreaded transition phase. Switching seamlessly from job A to job B is the goal.
Now imagine this: you're somewhere in the mountains, deep in the back country, in a strange land. You've awoken to a thick mist outside your window that looks like it will stay in the valley forever. But then, suddenly, the sky clears up and the clouds make way for this breathtaking scenery of rolling hills. There's tea plantations as far as the eye can see. Sun's out and it's immediately making you feel happy. A little while later you're sitting on a scooter, affectionately called "scooty" by your wholesome host, Jagath. As you're exploring, the sun's feeling really warm on your skin. The locals aren't used to the look of foreigners. A broad smile appears on their faces when they see you. Some even wave. You pass by people who work in the tea gardens, who smile ever so broadly.
Then you wonder: how goes the old thinking again? No transition phase, eh? Just go from one miserable job to the next without allowing yourself a single moment to breathe, to reflect, to feel? Fuck that!
You don't live just for work, do you? What do you want out of a job? What went wrong with the last one? What's next for you? Maximise your time between jobs, goes the new thinking. And don't forget to live a little.