Would you go back to your old job (help me decide!)

[StillMedusa]

Scenario:
Special School TA since 2004. Worked all through Covid and by the end of it was burnt out (and frustrated with the limitations imposed on the children and how it affected them and us)
Left in March to work in adult Learning Disability services, spent 5 months there and realised that it's not for me. Frankly I was bored and while the service was genuinely kind, and good, there was nothing in the day that made me buzz.

I left in August and have had a couple of months at home , being Granny care, walking the dog, cleaning my house. Lovely but long term I'm not ready (nor is it sensible) to retire.

I have a limited and fairly specialised skill set (have a degree but that was many years ago)

I considered child minding but have had to dismiss that as my adult son with autism is too anxious at the thought. Considered dog walking but there is a glut of those here (not boarding as my own dog won't cope)

I miss the kids...I miss the buzz I got when they achieved something new. I also miss my colleagues. BUT I don't know if I have a sort of Stockholm syndrome thing going on... the job was horribly stressful at times, poorly paid and I got a lot of bruises!

I've been asked if I would go back.... (part time) . I've looked at other jobs... applied for a couple.. and backed out.

Am I nuts to go back to what I know?

Hi don't want to leave you unanswered.
I've no experience in your industry, but if you left the job only because of covid pressures (and that's a valid reason) and for no other reason like your colleagues or working conditions then yes if I were you I'd go back part time initially and see how you get on.

Thank you for replying . Yes that's how I'm leaning at the moment. I KNOW there are things (mostly due to budget cuts) that will still frustrate me, but the people I worked with are good people, the head is amazing and I find myself talking to random 3 year olds at soft play (with my grandchild) because I miss that interaction with small children (grandchild is too little to have a conversation with yet!)

I feel it's a 'Hotel California' thing.. I can check out but never leave! But then I wonder.. is there something else I SHOULD be doing? I'm nearly 55 and options are running out fast!