All because she was living in Los Angeles and, that's the only reason she came back, because of the serial's move to the west coast. She signed a one-year deal, with the option of a second, and opted to not choose the option. From Soap Central (published October 12, 2008):
❝ Now a year into her return, Budig opted not to green-light an option that would have allowed her to stay with the show for another year. The toll of having to lead a bicoastal life -- husband Bob Guiney lives in Los Angeles, where he had Budig settled after her 2006 exit from All My Children -- has become too difficult. ❞