<p>A couple of questions,
What kind of separation pkg are you getting and does it include outplacement?</p>
<p>If you can afford a break, then take it and use it to think about your options. Discuss them with mentors, trusted friends and an outplacement counselor if one is available.
This is a new economy and it will never be what it was so try to get used to the idea of a living without the guarantee of a secure future. At the risk of being Debbie downer, you may not always have a job and your income will probably fluctuate. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it does give you more flexibility and choices and you end up not allowing yourself to be sucked dry by some company.</p>
<p>You interview well so you will get a job. It just takes time sometimes. If you like your job and it pays well and there are jobs out there, I would stay the course. If you think the industry is shrinking and you will not be able to get a position in the future than you’ll be forced to switch course. If that is the case, better now than latter. I don’t know your skill set and your temperament so I can’t advise on what that switch should be. You clearly value a very high paying job and not every industry offers that so at least your options are somewhat narrowed.
My one piece of advise on your next position, negotiate hard to get the highest compensation and highest level band that you can squeeze out of them. It makes a big difference in future jobs within and outside that company. Getting the job is part one, negotiating salary and job title is part two.</p>