The 39-year-old Englishman has not played in a competitive match since the World Championship quarter-finals in April, and has not entered next week's UK Snooker Championship.
"I do want a place within the sport, and I'm trying to fathom what that place is," he told Eurosport.
"I'm trying different things."
O'Sullivan also opted not to defend his title at last week's Champion of Champions in Coventry, which Neil Robertson won.
He is currently playing exhibition matches.
"It's been tough at times but I truly feel I have a good idea of what it is I want," he said. "I don't want the pressure of being the top man in snooker any more. I feel that should be left to the new generation of players.
"It's funny really. I'm actually enjoying my practice more then ever. I play for fun now. I still try to be the best I can be, but I don't have to be so serious about being so committed to it.
"Me and my mates play a lot these days."

The A40 between Nantgaredig and Whitemill is closed and diversions are in place following the incident at about 18:15 GMT on Friday.
A grey Smart Fortwo Prime, a black Volkswagon Golf and a grey Volvo were involved in the crash.
Dyfed Powys Police are appealing for witnesses.

Nick Dunn, 28, from Northumberland, was one of six Britons accused of illegally possessing weapons while working on a ship providing anti-piracy protection.
They were arrested in October 2013, but despite the charges being quashed, a police appeal has blocked their return.
Their case was due to be heard later, but has now been adjourned to 22 April.
After the announcement by India's Supreme Court, Nick Dunn's sister, Lisa, said: "This isn't the news we wanted to hear."
Along with Mr Dunn, the men arrested on 12 October 2013 are:
Mr Dunn, who is living in a hostel on the outskirts of Chennai, formally Madras, had said he was "anxious" ahead of the court hearing, which would have been presided over by a judge.
The 28-year-old, from Ashington, said he hoped "that we get the decision we so justly deserve".
Mr Dunn is staying with two Estonians who were also part of the crew of the private US-owned ship MV Seaman Guard Ohio.
Andrew Linnington, of the maritime union Nautilus International, which has been lobbying the UK government on behalf of the crew members, said he feared the six men were being made examples of.
He said: "The Indian authorities want to set a deterrent to operators of similar vessels to the one these six men were working on. Just about every element of this case has been disputed."
A UK Foreign Office spokesman said: "We appreciate that this continues to be a very difficult time for these men and their families and we are committed to keeping them up to date on the latest developments."
He said the prime minister had discussed their case with the with Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Indian High Commissioner Ranjan Mathai on 14 March.
"We have lobbied regularly on the importance of ensuring that this case is resolved as quickly as possible," he said.
Five-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan says he no longer has any interest in being snooker's "top man" but has not retired.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
Four people have been taken to hospital after a three car collision in Carmarthenshire.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
The family of a British man stuck in India, despite being cleared of weapons charges, has expressed disappointment over a delay in his return home.