To return or not to return, that is the question

I recently resigned from my position (elementary in TX) in May after about 7 years in the classroom. I stayed in the same district the entire time. Before being a teacher, I was an instructional aide. I enjoyed my job, but I was getting burnt out the last few years. New principal, new curriculum, more expectations, behaviors… it was just exhausting. I knew I needed a change.

I resigned not having a plan in place. I knew I could sub as my last resort. But I couldn’t let myself stay in knowing I’d stay for comfort of a safety net. Anyway.

It’s now mid-July and I’ve been applying to jobs all summer. Had some interviews, had some rejections, been ghosted. Also thought “hmm, maybe a new district would be better.” I applied for a position (not a teacher) and the principal reached out for an interview. I didn’t get that position, but she offered a few teaching positions. I figure I interview for that as well.

But I also got notified by another school to do a few back to back long term sub jobs. I figured that would be fine to have while I still search for something more permanent.

But of course I’m now stuck on which route to take. A big part of me acknowledges the stress I went through. I know a lot of things may be the same, and a lot may be different. The teaching position is for a new grade level I don’t have experience in. But the subbing position is with the grade I taught.

I know there’s a lot of pros/cons of each. But just wondering if anyone has been in a similar position where they felt they would leave teaching, but decided to continue in a new setting to see if it works better for you.