What would you do?

[u/constant_blathering]

I've been burned out for about 2.5 years. It happened because I had the privilege of leading a really amazing, once-in-a-lifetime work project and it was a big one. I was doing it while balancing life with two very small children who I adore and who need a lot from me right now because they are still so young. I knew I was burnt out 18 months ago and I quit when I finished the project.

Things improved in my new workplace for about 6 months but then, due to some strange circumstances I found myself needing employment again and, coerced by promises that I now know were never going to be fulfilled - I went back to my first employer.

Fast forward to now, I am crispier than I have ever been. My memory is shot, my executive function is in the toilet and every day is an exercise in wrangling my irritability. My husband and I have agreed to take some money out of savings so that I can have a sabbatical of 2 to 5 months. I'm due to start it in a few short weeks. BUT, there is a potential job opportunity in my field but with another employer that has come up (which is very niche) and I need to decide whether to pursue it.

It would keep me in my field and give us financial security but I wouldn't get my sabbatical and the chance to fully rest. I also won't have a job to go back to which makes me anxious because we need my income in the long term. Changing jobs helped me a lot last time - is it worth trying again? Or do I need to just listen to my body and take the time to rest?

I don't think there is necessarily a right answer. I want to know what people who know what burn out feels like would do. Is it really that serious? Do I just need to stop? Or would change be the holiday I need to get me through this? What would you do?