Big Pharma to CSO to rapid promotions w mid-sized co.
Laid off. I won President's Club and megabonus in a new territory that was tanking when I took it. Made no difference.
Started working job search full-time, 8:30 to 5:30. Accepted a position with a CSO after a few months, salary went from $64K to $42K.
After taxes, there was not a huge difference in take-home pay. When the contract expired, the contracting pharma company hired me.
Rapid promotions ensued, and within a year my salary/position exceeded anything I earned working for the company that let me get away!
Keep hope alive - working for a CSO can be a productive interim position.