Going back to old job? $15,000 pay cut

I’ve worked in marketing since I was 22, I’m 28 now, almost 29. I studied fashion merchandising in college and have always loved being creative and have always had a visual eye. However, I felt I wasn’t bound to “fashion” per say and wanted to explore other industries, but still wanted to stay in a somewhat creative realm.

The previous marketing job I had was for a medium size hospitality company and was paid 45k a year with no 401k match. I did get health benefits etc and was there for about almost 3 years but I did really like it. My boss was amazing and we were on a 9/80 work schedule, so I had every other Friday off. Even though it was remote and I didn’t have the chance to meet everyone on the team, I felt that my calls with team members were meaningful and almost felt like I created friendships by meeting them in person.

I left that job in June 2023, as financially, the job just wasn’t cutting it. I interviewed and did land a job at a big corporation as a marketing associate. When I interviewed and even applied, I knew it involved copywriting which I had been doing at my previous job. There were other tasks that sounded ok and I thought for more salary I could give it a shot.

From the very start I felt like something was off. I wasn’t sure if it was just because I really liked my responsibilities at my old job or if it truly was a comfort thing leaving. So, I gave it a chance and been here for 6 months and I still do not like it. It is not creative whatsoever and want to leave.

I was able to connect with my old boss and he basically offered my old job back. They can’t match the salary of what I’m making now but since it was more of a design job, he said that I could be compensated for a project basis since I would be helping other accounts. The salary would be higher than what I was making the first go around.

I know I would be much happier but I would be sacrificing things financially. Would love some feedback on what I should do here? Or if anyone has had a previous experience?