Top Law Schools

Midlevel biglaw lit associate here. I got the talk this week after about a year at this firm. The severance is only a few months. I was just burnt out, disengaged, and began cruising while aimlessly planning for an exit into government and inhouse gigs. I thought I was doing just enough to stay under the radar but the firm apparently took notice. I can probably snag another biglaw/midlaw gig quickly but I honestly do not want to go back to a firm. This puts me in a precarious situation where after my severance runs out, I might be still looking for that inhouse/govt gig. Assuming the firm doesn't extend my website time, is having a gap a death sentence in the current market? I would think companies and governments would not be too critical considering it's a career pivot as opposed to applying to another firm with a gap in employment, which I can see might be a red flag.