Previous Employer wants me back - advice please!!

masonsmum

I received a phone call from my previous employer on Friday asking me if I would consider returning to work for them. To give you a better idea of the situation I worked as a Sales Administrator in a Mercedes garage and when I left to have my baby I decided not to go back after my maternity leave and have been working part time in a small office since then.
However my son is now nearly 2 and a half now and it would be easier to work more hours and extra income would not go wrong.
My old manager (who I keep in touch with) has advised me that the MD is desperate for me to go back so I have agreed to have a meeting with them tomorrow afternoon to see if we can negotiate terms and come to an agreement.
However I am looking for some advice on how to handle the meeting and hang in there for the best deal I can get. I can be a bit of a softie but I did love my job so how should I approach this??
Thanks in advance for any advice.

Reggie_Rebel

You could go in there with two lists.

1 - What you would like to go back

2 - What you would accept

Alfrescodave

What a great position to be in...I've always wanted to be head hunted.

I think you need to find out from them how flexible they would be regarding your working hours to fit in with your son...money is not everything but it certainly helps. Also if you were to agree to return, a review should take place in x months time so as to make any changes if it wasn't working as each party would like

Deep_In_Debt

I was in that position some time ago. I had been with my company for many years and left for "big and better things". However, although I wasn't unhappy in my new job, my old boss wanted me back. I had left my original job for more money and better prospects so I laid it down in terms of what I wanted...yep, more money, better prospects and left the ball in their court. My old boss accommodated and it was the best move I ever made even though it was going back to previous employers!

I turned it to my advantage financially...the fact that I knew the job, the people, the company etc... so no training required! Go for it, I say!

Good luck.

masonsmum

Thanks for all your advice

It is rather daunting being head hunted but as Deep in Debt said it could be a great move for me. Not that I am unhappy in the job Im in just now but I feel going back could offer better prospects and a better income and the chance to work with my friends again.

However not that I am letting them know that - I will try and keep it cool and see what they offer first before making any demands.

I will update later after meeting them at 3pm today.

Thanks again.

Alfrescodave

How about the update ? Either it went badly and you're still drowning your sorrows or better still it went well and you're still celebrating

dag_2

You don't have the problem of being on Jobseekers Allowance and at risk of a sanction if you don't accept it, do you?

You already have a part time job - would I right in be thinking that you can't realistically do both jobs?

If so, then if it were me, I'd want to compare how strong my rights would be. How did your last appraisal go at the office? And is the garage proposing to put you on another probationary period?

It's not just the pay and holiday that counts, but also the sickness, disciplinary and capability procedures. Mind you, the sickness and disciplinary procedures don't really count for quite so much if you don't think you're likely to stay there very long anyway.

Hope that helps.