This is what I had in mind. It forces you to do some self-analysis and re-evaluation of your goals. I think is healthy.
A lot can come from experiences that are both positive and negative
Same goes for my idea of working for equity or bringing your own product to market. It may be a success or a complete failure, but either way I’m sure you’d learn something (I haven’t done either, BTW, but have heard great stories from people who have and have come out stronger no matter which way things went).