In the same exact boat except Worked for a small company with a private owner and I took a jump to a giant corp (for the money) and absolutely hated every second of my life while I was there. Went out for a beer with my old boss, (the owner) a few months in and told him my current stateof mind. I didn’t ask or discuss coming back but the next day he sent me a new job offer with things more catered to my own personal goals and a bit of a pay bump.
I returned, It was never awkward I really enjoy going to work. I feel valued and when I left it made both the owner and I realize how much we benefit each other. I don’t have to take work home with me or ever stress about it. He’s super flexible with time off and if something comes up with my kids.
This allows me to persue things that interest me. I’ve learned c+ c# and some angular and made a crappy indie game. Ive learned the piano, guitar and how to sing. I’m starting a cover band with friends and none of this would have been possible because I would have been mentally and physically drained at the other place.
That value alone is hard to put a price on I just didn’t know until I hopped ship.
So good!