[giantg2]

Nothing wrong with moving back to an area that you like. There are areas of the US that I wouldn't want to live in, even if it means making more money (like Silicon Valley or NYC).

I would say just enjoy the less stressful job. It's probably a good idea to learn newer technologies or have a hobby-level side project just in case you have to look for a new job. I became an expert in a system and got to that liw-stress zone, only to have my job outsourced. It's good to have other skills.

It seems many people believe a career is necessary and that a career means constantly moving up. It's possible that a step in your career might take years longer than someone else, or it might take a less traditional route.

I've come to the realization that I have a job, not a career. I'm a midlevel developer with "a lot of potential", but that will never translate to a promotion or real raise. I've become jaded by all the false promises and lack of progression, and that will create a viscous cycle. So for me, it's best to just see it as a job so I don't fall as deeply into that cycle as I would if viewing it as a career.