I only had 2000 chars in the original post so I had to make cuts. I suspect I've cut some important context!
The most enjoyable stuff I've done in the past few years has been with Vue and React. I've done a little of both at work and on side projects, but these projects at work are really uncommon — like once in a year sort of things.
If I'm being honest, I'm not even begrudging these experiences — I have actually, legitimately enjoyed them.
My main motivation in getting away from frontend is really getting away from client-driven front-of-frontend stuff. Constant, pointless, niggly changes. That kind of stuff.
Working with an interactive component with Vue/React, and/or working with api data definitely has been actual fun.
Appreciate your reply!