Actually yes. This is exactly what happens to me. Even after months, I come back and have an easier time. I think this touched on in Barbara Oakley's stuff though she seemed to criticise the extreme lengths between my learning.
My other problem is I spent tonnes of time learning and then never do anything with it. A lot of the stuff I learn often becomes useful mental models - calculus and the idea of continuity and change did this. It felt like a new way to look at the world.
The problem is you can have infinitely many ways of looking at the world but it means nothing if you don't do anything with it!
When you learn something, you can try using your newfound skills to answer questions on subreddits, mathoverflow, etc. It feels great to satisfy other people's interest and get feedback on it.
My other problem is I spent tonnes of time learning and then never do anything with it. A lot of the stuff I learn often becomes useful mental models - calculus and the idea of continuity and change did this. It felt like a new way to look at the world.
The problem is you can have infinitely many ways of looking at the world but it means nothing if you don't do anything with it!