The PTO doesn't have to be all or nothing. Would a more strategic 2-week (or 1-week) break be better received?
Also as a more passive job-seeking strategy, you could leverage your professional network of past co-workers to let you know if any opportunities come up (always had a lot of success with this personally). That way you can dip your toes into the job pool without having to switch focus completely.
Also as a more passive job-seeking strategy, you could leverage your professional network of past co-workers to let you know if any opportunities come up (always had a lot of success with this personally). That way you can dip your toes into the job pool without having to switch focus completely.