I left tech completely for 5 years, to make gears, which was rewarding, I stayed because I was part of a 4 man shop, and it was nice to not worry about servers on the weekends, etc.
My wife's income took a hit, and now I've been out of tech for far too long... nobody programs in Pascal any more.
The funny thing is, I recovered in one month, quit, and had the happiest two months after that; but after the fourth month I also realized that I still like doing my job, just not there. It took me three more months to find a new job I liked, meanwhile the initial happiness rush became boredom.
My point is, working with your side projects will improve your skills and stave boredom; and who knows if you'll find you just needed a sabbatical instead of staying at home forever.
There's no shame in doing pleasurable things with our free time, not everyone has the same way of resting from work.
I will still have to work a few months and I dread it.
I actually would be happier if I got fired, effective immediately.
I won't badmouth my employer here because I don't think they have done anything wrong. We just don't fit.
I'm lucky that my wife makes enough money for both of us, so I won't look for a new job, I'll just become a stay at home dad, and pursue my side projects while the kids are at school and the home duties are done.