Sometimes "Now" can be the solution. Yes, being able to first choose where to go can be good. But many people might not realize how toxic a certain environment can be for them and the process of finding something else might be a very good reason to end up never leaving. In that case, now, is the solution. It is more likely that you will find something better and you will also be in a better mental state without the worry of the environment you are in every day.
As for "What have you been doing since?" this is all about how good you are at "modifying reality", Job Hunting is clearly a bad answer but "I took some time to work on some personal project and focus on reordering some stuff in my life, now I have sorted it and I am looking forward to my next challenge." Might be better.
I'm all for career safety, but I agree that sometimes it's "now or never".
When you are in full-time employment, Stockholm Syndrome sets in very fast, and alternatives start to appear less appealing as your mind and body adjust themselves to your current position and lifestyle. I am experiencing this and it is insidious. I think if I stay too long I will be stuck forever. People underestimate the impact their environment and schedule have on their thinking.
Change the environment to change the person. If you're stuck somewhere you don't want to be but you aren't sure where to go, just go anywhere else, and as your cognitive patterns alter, you may find a place for yourself.
As for "What have you been doing since?" this is all about how good you are at "modifying reality", Job Hunting is clearly a bad answer but "I took some time to work on some personal project and focus on reordering some stuff in my life, now I have sorted it and I am looking forward to my next challenge." Might be better.