Going back to a previous employer

martyp

Hi all,
My story was that I had worked for a big company for over 5 years then in 2007 left for another job when a new manager started who ruined my career progression basically. The new job involved learning lots of new things and skills which would be very beneficial. When I left my old job I got a big farewell including everyone gathering around my desk on the last day, a nice good luck card, a present and everyone went out with me for drinks afterwards...
I got sacked for very minimal reasons in my new job (won't go into details but in my previous job I got away with much worse!) - I think it was a subtle way of reducing costs as there were redundancies at the time.
Now after about 4 months of job searching I'm thinking how good my previous job was, the people, the hours, the money, the closeness to home, the security etc...

It's possible I could go back to my old job there but the thing is it's quite humiliating and embarassing after having a big send off and most people would still be working there and would wonder why I'd be back.

Has anyone else had this happen to them or know someone that has? I know the 'what are you doing back here?' etc questions would only have to be endured a short time but I'm not looking forward to it...

beaker141

If the option is open I would take it - questions there would be much easier than the interview questions at another job as to why you got sacked etc.

I guess lots realise how good jobs/employers were after the event - I had an ex-colleague say that to me on Sat who got made redundant due to a merger situation.

Good luck.

all_in_all

Who cares what the people say? At the end of the day you'll have money coming in every month and a job you know well.

Airwolf1

I'd go for it, and if you know the people, it makes it easier.

martyp

Thanks all, I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

MrsB2100

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed too. If I could go back, I would ... but I was made redundant, so my job dosent exist anymore. Let us know!

PasturesNew

Why not get in touch with the people/your old mates and meet up at lunchtime for a drink, sound them out. Maybe waiting for them to jokingly say "come back" ... and then look surprised and say "Yeah, I'd love to ... hey, you know, I loved working with you guys, that's not such a bad idea is it. I'll get onto HR this afternoon and see if there are any jobs .... I'll buy you all doughnuts on my first day back, eh?" ... then laugh... but it's mentioned. And it wasn't your idea

TrikerAndBiker

We have lots of employees return where I work! The accounts lady in our department left for a whole week then decided that perhaps the grass wasn't so green on the other side. She endured a bit of ribbing about her 'holiday' but that was soon forgotten (though if she leaves again I may not be quite so generous towards her leaving pressie! :rotfl: )

Go for it!

tobyjug

We moved for my husbands job 8 years ago after about 3 years he too was trapped and couldn't progress and was offered a different job at another company This position was made redunadnt 4 years later. he was offered the same postion back at his old company and has been back there for nearly a year. I would say go for it..... he feels safe ( as he can be at the moment) he knows many of the staff and the member of staff who was blocking his career development has left.

go with what feels right for you...if you can get a good job with people who respect you and whom you respect ...go for it.

piggeh

At my last job, we often had people coming back to work for the company. Some after several years, others after 6 months or so! no one found it strange, it was a good atmosphere to work and many told us they didnt enjoy their new job as much so decided they would come back. If you liked your old job, then go for it.

martyp

PasturesNew wrote: »

Why not get in touch with the people/your old mates and meet up at lunchtime for a drink, sound them out. Maybe waiting for them to jokingly say "come back" ... and then look surprised and say "Yeah, I'd love to ... hey, you know, I loved working with you guys, that's not such a bad idea is it. I'll get onto HR this afternoon and see if there are any jobs .... I'll buy you all doughnuts on my first day back, eh?" ... then laugh... but it's mentioned. And it wasn't your idea

Funnily enough, that's pretty much what happened!
I met up with some old colleagues before Christmas and announced then about my job falling through and my old team leader said if he could get be back in would I be interested so I followed it up...
Still waiting for it to be signed off.