[iamflimflam1]

This probably comes down to what are you really looking for. You describe it as the "the grind of being a FTE". That gives me the impression that you are looking for more of a hands on engineering role and less of a leadership type thing.

Would that be accurate?

[krishan711]

I'd love to be working around loads of smart people again and honestly kinda looking forward to having larger decisions made around me more than just me making all of them cos it will take away the biggest stress I feel internally rn. Does that make sense? I would prefer hands-on I think cos that's what I know 100% I'm good at but i quite liked leadership responsibilities too so not super averse to that site either.