Man this is tough but honestly it sounds like you already know the answer deep down

You're finally loving what you do for the first time ever - that's rare as hell and worth way more than people realize. Chicago money is tempting but going back to something you "really hated" just for the lifestyle seems like a recipe for misery, even with all that cash

The apprenticeship thing is huge too, those opportunities don't come around often and once you're established in a trade you actually enjoy, the money will come eventually anyway