I worked at a small company for a few years and left earlier this year on good terms (was exploring and chose to leave rather than commit long-term).

Main issue before was that a lot of the work was exploratory, but there wasn’t enough support/structure to turn ideas into real outcomes, which got frustrating over time.

Since leaving, I’ve been actively interviewing. I’ve had a decent number of interviews and reached a few final rounds, but haven’t converted anything into an offer yet. It also feels like I’ve already gone through most of the companies I was a strong fit for, so interview opportunities might slow down for a bit.

My previous manager reached out saying things may have improved , and I’m considering reconnecting.

Pros: stability (including visa), relief from burnout with the interview process in this hellish job market

Cons: Still have a few ongoing processes which I will need to abandon. Going back into the same environment where lack of progress really took a toll on my mental health.

In this current environment is it just prudent to swallow your pride and go back to your previous employer and ride it out for couple of years or keep grinding interviews?