[TeMPOraL]

> I enjoyed a five months paid non compete when last moving between banks, and build nothing worthwhile during that time.

Every now and then I see someone comment on HN about their experience with longer between-jobs periods, sabbatical, etc. The core theme I've noticed is that, apparently, it's common to "waste" some 3-6 months before one starts making good use of their time - apparently this is how much it takes to properly switch over to being fully self-directed.

If that hypothesis is accurate, then it's not surprising you've built "nothing worthwhile" during your five-month break - you've got yanked back into employment right as you were finally ready to make good use of your time!