Ask HN: Tell me your stories of taking lower paid work to be happier

I'm on the cusp of going back to a job I really enjoyed that paid pretty well, but I was lured away by my current, high-paying job (for the money, prestige, etc.).

I'm getting cold feet because of the money, but I'm fairly sure I'd like the day-to-day much better than my current job.

So tell me -- what are your stories?