Returning to an old job

Javens

Have you ever returned to an old job after quitting?

I left my job early/mid 2016, visited family abroad for 2 months, returned and started at a new job which I didn't enjoy, so I left. I've been unemployed for a few months now, and my confidence has taken a hit.

I bumped into my old boss who has said my old job is available and they'd be happy to have me back, immediate start.

Colleagues will ultimately have a few comments to throw my way, and I might owe them their leaving present back (:p), however at least I will be employed, can start building on my confidence again, then start looking for a new and better paid job in a few months, or even look for a promotion in the same company.

Is it wise returning to an old job? Should I let sleeping dogs lie?

jobbingmusician

I would grab it with both hands. You don't owe anyone a leaving gift (unless, which is highly unlikely, your old employer is happy to give you continuity of service with a sabbatical - and it might be worth asking for this but only you can judge!)

Apart from anything else, job-hunting is easier if you already have a job.....

Javens

jobbingmusician wrote: »

I would grab it with both hands. You don't owe anyone a leaving gift (unless, which is highly unlikely, your old employer is happy to give you continuity of service with a sabbatical - and it might be worth asking for this but only you can judge!)

Apart from anything else, job-hunting is easier if you already have a job.....

Thanks - this was my first job after finishing university, and I was there for 2 years. It wasn't perfect, but I enjoyed the job and got on well with all my colleagues, supervisor and managers, and the pay was adequate.

I was probably naive leaving, but it's a life lesson. I guess I'm still a little naive and not sure of the etiquette of returning to a job where they've had a leaving party, whip round, and you've already said your goodbyes.

I'm sure I'll be talk of the office for a while, but something new will happen and the gossip will shift.

trailingspouse

Buy cakes on your first day back, and they'll get over it.

Totally agree with previous posters - unless you left the job because you totally hated it, get yourself back there. Not everyone's boss would tell them they'd be happy to have them back!!

BOBS

trailingspouse wrote: »

Buy cakes on your first day back, and they'll get over it.

Totally agree with previous posters - unless you left the job because you totally hated it, get yourself back there. Not everyone's boss would tell them they'd be happy to have them back!!

totally agree with buying cakes for return ! - easiest way to get all back on side.

bugslet

We've had a couple of people leave and then come back when they found out the grass was greener.

Got to take a bit of mickey taking for a few days, then it's all back to normal.

If you didn't hate the job, then I'd say go back.

Javens

Thanks all - I shall send my ex-boss an email taking them up on their offer.

getmore4less

grab it and see if the place has potential for a longer term career.

If you got a good send off good idea to do a bit of sucking up.
don't over do how great the 2 months off with family was.

TBagpuss

I agree with others, take it, you know what the job is like, and you also now have one other place to comapre it with, which may be helpful if thinking about hwat things you want to lok for / avoid in any future jobs.

Expect a few jokesand leg-pulling form collagues when you return but this should only be in the first few days. Buy cakes or chocolates as an 'I'm back' gift.

If you elave again in the near future you may well find you don't get another gift, buit otherthan that, don't worry about it!

Johntea

It is fine and a good example of why you should never burn bridges!

I left my job in April 2016 to care for a family member and try and find something else for afterwards, I eventually got a job offer for a suitable job in December 2016 but don't actually start until next month February 2017 due to the checks and everything

In the meantime at my old place a colleague is off sick so they got in touch and to cover the gap between my new job offer and the new job actually starting I'm now back there helping out a couple of days a week Means I no longer have the hassle of having to go down to the job centre every week to claim JSA and colleagues are genuinely pleased to see me back! (surprisingly )

[Deleted User]

Thanks for this thread OP - I have asked an ex employer to take me back only this week, now they have vacancies and a slightly different position - I'd have never said it before but way better the devil you know in these times and when you can't turn the feeling off, it's time to go back. Can't explain what being in the wrong job does to you.

They say things happen for a reason. x