I recently lost my job as a data scientist after a short tenure of about six months at a lesser-known company. I made the switch earlier this year, hoping for a better fit, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a poor match. Despite achieving some accomplishments, I didn't pass probation, and the role felt more like an analyst position rather than the data science work I was aiming for. The company culture was also quite toxic, which contributed to my decision to move on. Surprisingly, I'm not feeling too down about this situation. The job was leading me to burnout, and I now have the opportunity to focus on what I truly want, which is transitioning into AI engineering. I appreciate having this extra time to upskill in AI and consider potential side hustles. Thankfully, my savings provide me with a comfortable runway for the next few years, so I'm not overly concerned about immediate income stability. However, I do want to minimize any gaps on my resume and ensure that this time is productive. I'm considering reaching out to recruiting agencies for contract jobs, as I've never done this before. My goal is to find a role that allows me to work less than 40 hours a week while engaging in meaningful projects. Any advice on how to navigate this transition would be greatly appreciated!