These "periods" are their decent way to let you go and give you time to find another job. You'd appear more confident looking for one while still having one.
The reason you feel the need to take a break and regroup may be that you've been putting too much of your heart into your job and it's taking a toll on you. You are there for the paycheck; don't put anything more on the scale, and those extras should be on your own shoulders, not theirs. Your boss would appreciated that.
If you need the income, don't create a gap in your resume. Hiring companies want to be needed too.
(No one on his deathbed wished he had spent more time in the office.)
